Stage 1: The Drug Slows Down the Body

 • Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, blocking pain and creating a sense of relaxation or euphoria.

 • Too much causes the brain to slow breathing, heart rate, and consciousness.

Stage 2: Breathing Becomes Shallow or Stops (Respiratory Depression)

 • Opioids suppress signals from the brain that control breathing.

 • The person starts gasping for air, breathing slows, then stops completely.

Stage 3: Oxygen Levels Drop (Hypoxia)

 • The brain and organs stop receiving oxygen, leading to confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness.

 • Lips, nails, and skin turn blue or gray (cyanosis).

Stage 4: Heart Function Declines (Bradycardia, Cardiac Arrest)

 • A lack of oxygen causes the heart to slow down or stop beating.

 • Blood pressure drops, leading to shock and organ failure.

Stage 5: Brain Damage or Death

 • Without oxygen, the brain begins dying within 4-6 minutes.

 • If not treated with Naloxone (Narcan) and CPR, the person may fall into a coma or die.

Stage 1: The Nervous System Overloads

 • Stimulants flood the brain with dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing energy and alertness.

 • Heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature skyrocket.

Stage 2: Heart and Blood Vessels Are Overworked (Hypertension, Heart Attack, Stroke)

 • Blood pressure rises dangerously, causing:

 • Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – due to blocked arteries.

 • Stroke – due to blood vessels bursting in the brain.

 • Aneurysm – if a weakened artery ruptures.

Stage 3: Body Temperature Becomes Dangerously High (Hyperthermia)

 • The person becomes extremely hot (above 104°F or 40°C), leading to organ damage.

 • They may experience profuse sweating, confusion, or collapse.

Stage 4: Seizures and Brain Damage (Excited Delirium, Seizures, Psychosis)

 • The brain becomes overstimulated, causing:

 • Seizures or convulsions.

 • Hallucinations, paranoia, or extreme agitation.

 • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), leading to kidney failure.

Stage 5: Cardiac Arrest and Death

 • The heart beats too fast or erratically, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

 • Without emergency treatment, the person may die from a heart attack, seizure, or multiple organ failure.

Stage 1: The Brain Slows Down (CNS Depression)

 • Depressants slow brain function, making the person feel sleepy or relaxed.

 • In high doses, the signals controlling breathing, heart rate, and movement start to shut down.

Stage 2: Loss of Coordination and Consciousness

 • The person may slur their speech, lose balance, or pass out.

 • If alcohol is involved, they may vomit and risk choking while unconscious.

Stage 3: Breathing and Heart Rate Decline (Respiratory Depression, Bradycardia)

 • The brain stops sending signals to the lungs and heart, causing:

 • Slow, weak, or stopped breathing.

 • Low blood pressure.

 • Weak or irregular pulse.

Stage 4: Coma or Seizures (Hypoxia, Brain Damage)

 • Lack of oxygen may cause seizures, brain swelling, or coma.

 • The person may slip into a deep, unresponsive state.

Stage 5: Death from Respiratory or Cardiac Arrest

 • Breathing and heart function shut down completely.

 • Without intervention, the person may suffer brain death or fatal organ failure.