First, it’s essential to point out that the criteria for an overdose aren’t necessarily straightforward, so it can be challenging to explain it. An overdose is when a toxic amount of substances, or a combination of different substances, overwhelms the body. People can overdose on a variety of substances, including alcohol, Tylenol, opioids and more.
All drugs, including prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor, can cause an overdose because there’s a limit to how much our bodies can handle.
It’s challenging to identify what the limit of a substance is because it varies for each individual. The amount of a substance your body can handle can depend on factors such as your body weight, your previous use and built-up tolerance and your current state of health.
Additionally, the combination of different substances can cause an overdose. For example, a person may have taken only a small amount of two different substances, but they prove to be toxic in conjunction. This is why it’s crucial individuals never mix substances, even if they think they’re in control of their substance abuse.