In recent years, overdoses have become more common, especially with the rise of fentanyl-laced pills, which are far more potent and dangerous than drugs in the past. Knowing how to recognize and respond to an overdose isn’t just about saving a life — it’s about being prepared to help your friends, loved ones, or even a stranger in an emergency. Whether out with friends, at a party, or just hanging out, it’s important to be prepared.
What Are Opioids?
Opioid is the technical term for a class of drugs often used to manage pain. They might also be referred to as opiates, painkillers, or narcotics. While some opioids come from the poppy plant, others are created in a lab. Opioids include some prescription medications like oxycodone or morphine, as well as substances like fentanyl and heroin. Learn more in our blog Opioids Explained: What They Are and How They Affect You.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
An overdose is what happens when someone takes more of a substance — whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or a combination –- than their body can handle. This can lead to life-threatening symptoms or even death if not treated quickly.
During an opioid overdose, breathing can be slowed or stopped, causing long-lasting damage or death. It’s important to recognize the signs and act fast. Key signs to look for include:
- Small pupils
- Passing out or loss of consciousness
- Pain in the chest, slow or difficulty breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
- Nausea and throwing up
How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose
It’s at times difficult to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t positive, it is best to treat it like an overdose.
- Call 9-1-1 right away. All you have to say is, “I think someone may have overdosed,” and provide a clear address and/or description of your location.
- Give Naloxone if you have it.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing, and be ready to perform CPR if their breathing stops.
- Lay the person on their side with their mouth facing downward to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until the emergency workers arrive.
What Not to Do if You Suspect an Opioid Overdose
The following are some things that you want to make sure NOT to do as they may cause more harm:
- Don’t hit or try to forcefully wake or move the person. If you are unable to wake the person by shouting or lightly pinching them, they are likely unconscious.
- Don’t put the person in a cold bath or shower. This increases the risk of falling, drowning, or going into shock.
- Don’t try to make the person throw up. This increases the risk of choking.
Good Samaritan Law
Many overdose deaths can be prevented, but people often fear arrest if they call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Law protects from arrest, charge, or prosecution for anyone who seeks emergency medical help at the scene of a suspected drug overdose.
Understand What Increases Someone’s Risk of Opioid Overdose
There are a few things that can increase the risk of opioid overdose. Knowing what they are could help you, your friends, or anyone around you. Some of the biggest risks include:
- Combining drugs or alcohol, for example, mixing prescription pills (ex. Vicodin) with alcohol or cocaine.
- Taking higher doses of medications than what is prescribed or recommended.
- Consuming illegal opioids or drugs bought off the internet or street. With these drugs, you cannot be sure of how strong the drug is, or what is mixed in with the drug, such as fentanyl.
Where and How to Get Help for a Substance Use Problem
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).
- The helpline is free, private, and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week for individuals and families experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
- They can provide referrals and information on local resources, facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
- You will not be asked or required to give any personal information.
You can also visit their website at Samhsa.gov, or send your zip code via text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
For more information on available resources, check out our Get Help Page.