Actor and reality star, Corey Haim, 38, has died. The actor, who is known for his role in the film The Lost Boys, and for his 2 year stint with friend and frequent co-star Corey Feldman, on the A&E reality show, “The Two Coreys,” collapsed at his mother’s apartment in southern California. He was transported by ambulance to Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank, where he was pronounced dead. Haim has a long history of addiction to cocaine and prescription pain medications, and it is reported that local officials called his death an “apparent overdose, possibly accidental.” An autopsy, with toxicology, will be performed, as it is in all unexplained deaths. Additional information from Haim’s family said that he had had flu-like symptoms for a few days, and was taking over-the-counter medications for this.

A drug overdose is simply the accidental or intentional use of a drug or medicine in an amount that is higher than is normally used.

Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

• Abnormal pupil size
• Agitation
• Convulsions
• Death
• Delusional or paranoid behavior
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nonreactive pupils (pupils that do not change size when exposed to light)
• Staggering or unsteady gait (ataxia)
• Sweating or extremely dry, hot skin
• Tremors
• Unconsciousness (coma)
• Violent or aggressive behavior

Causes of Death from Overdoses:

Unfortunately, many people are addicted to a combination of drugs (polypharmacy), which can exaggerate symptoms, and make fatal complications more likely. Symptoms can also counterbalance each other, making the diagnosis and treatment more difficult.