ABSTRACT
Intoxication and overdose are the potential consequences of substance misuse whether the psychoactive substance is illicit, prescribed or over-the-counter. Emergency medical attention is often required by those misusing psychoactive substances as a result of:
• toxic or adverse effects of the substance • the route of administration (injecting may lead to blood poisoning and deep vein
thrombosis) • lifestyle behaviours (poor malnutrition, dehydration) • risk-taking whilst under the influence of psychoactive substances (accidents, self-
harm).
