Recognition and management of drug abuse emergencies

As with any medical emergency, the initial approach to the management of the drug abuse emergency is to attend to the potential threat to life. Establish and maintain an adequate airway, with respiratory support if necessary: secure a reliable intravenous route: administer appropriate drugs and antidotes; and perform the necessary diagnostic procedures to identify the cause of the problem. Always make an assessment of the psychological threat of self-destruction before discharging a patient who has taken an overdose. Be suspicious of drug overdose ina comatose or oddly-behaving patient. Consider the possibility of multiple drug abuse. Finally, always consider the possibility that causes other than drugs may be producing these symptoms.