Assessing people following a suicide attempt is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention & for gathering essential information. This article outlines a nursing model for assessing people admitted to hospital following a drug overdose. The model has 3 components: engagement, containment & problem-solving. There are six stages of assessment including: understanding the overdose, assessing suicidal intent & risk, mental state, problems, coping, & action. A case example is presented. (9 refs.)