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Overdose Signs: What to Do and How to Help

/ Substance Abuse Treatment / By

An overdose can happen quickly, and knowing what to do during those first few minutes could save someone’s life.

You don’t have to be a medical professional to recognize the warning signs, call for emergency help, or administer naloxone if you suspect an opioid overdose.

Overdoses can involve opioids, alcohol, prescription medications, stimulants, or a combination of substances. No matter what caused the overdose, knowing the overdose signs and acting quickly can make a life-saving difference.

What Happens During an Overdose?

An overdose occurs when the body is exposed to more of a drug or other substance than it can safely process.

Depending on what was taken, an overdose may affect breathing, heart rate, body temperature, consciousness, or other vital functions.

Some overdoses develop gradually, while others happen within minutes. Because it’s not always possible to know what someone has taken, it’s important to treat any suspected overdose as a medical emergency.

Signs Someone May Be Overdosing

Recognizing overdose signs can help you respond before the situation becomes life-threatening.

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

Opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, or morphine can slow or stop breathing. Signs of an opioid overdose may include:

  • The person can’t be awakened or won’t respond.
  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.
  • Choking, gurgling, or unusual snoring sounds.
  • Blue, gray, or purple lips or fingernails.
  • Very small, pinpoint pupils.

Other Signs of a Drug Overdose

Not every overdose involves opioids.

Depending on the substance, someone may experience:

  • Confusion or severe disorientation
  • Seizures
  • A very fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Extreme agitation or unusual behavior
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness

If you aren’t sure whether someone is overdosing, don’t wait for more symptoms to appear. Treat the situation as an emergency and seek help immediately.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Overdosing?

Knowing what to do can help save a life while emergency responders are on the way.

If you suspect someone near you is having an overdose, take these steps:

1. Call 911 immediately. An overdose is always a medical emergency, even if the person begins responding after treatment.

2. Administer naloxone if you suspect an opioid overdose and have it available. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids and restore normal breathing while waiting for emergency medical care.

3. Monitor the person’s breathing. If they stop breathing or aren’t breathing normally, follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions. Rescue breathing or CPR may be recommended if you’re trained to perform it.

4. Place the person on their side if they’re breathing but unconscious. This recovery position helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of choking.

5. Stay with them until emergency responders arrive. Even if someone wakes up after receiving naloxone, the medication can wear off before the opioids leave their body, causing symptoms to return.

How Naloxone Can Save a Life

Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by temporarily blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain.

It can reverse overdoses involving fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioid medications, giving emergency responders valuable time to provide additional medical care. Because stronger opioids such as fentanyl may remain in the body longer than naloxone, more than one dose may sometimes be needed.

If someone in your family is at risk of an opioid overdose, keeping naloxone nearby and learning how to use it before an emergency occurs can help you respond with confidence.

Note: you often don’t need a prescription or any special doctor’s note to get naloxone. You can find naloxone kits at special sites that host them or at your local pharmacy.

What Not to Do During an Overdose

When someone is overdosing, well-intentioned actions can sometimes delay lifesaving care.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Don’t assume they’ll sleep it off.
  • Don’t leave them alone.
  • Don’t wait to see if they improve on their own.
  • Don’t try to force food, water, or medication into someone who is unconscious.
  • Don’t put yourself in danger while trying to help.

Calling for emergency medical assistance should always be your first priority.

What Happens After Someone Survives an Overdose?

Surviving an overdose can be frightening, but it can also be an opportunity to begin recovery.

After emergency medical treatment, many people benefit from additional support to address the underlying causes of substance use.

Depending on their needs, treatment may include:

Receiving treatment after an overdose can help reduce the risk of future overdoses while providing the tools needed to build long-term recovery.

Turn an Overdose Into the First Step in Recovery

An overdose can change a life in an instant, but it doesn’t have to define the future.

If you or someone you love has experienced an overdose, now is the time to seek help. Compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment can help address both substance use and any underlying mental health conditions contributing to it.

At Harmony Healing Center in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, our experienced team provides personalized care to help people safely begin recovery and build a healthier future. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Reach out to us now to learn more about our continued programs for people battling drug or alcohol abuse.

FAQs About Overdose Signs and How To Help

Can naloxone hurt someone who isn’t overdosing on opioids?

No. Naloxone is designed to reverse opioid overdoses and generally won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t present. If you suspect an opioid overdose, it’s still important to immediately call 911 and administer naloxone if available.

Should I still call 911 after giving naloxone?

Yes. Naloxone provides temporary effects and isn’t a substitute for emergency medical care. The person should always be evaluated by healthcare professionals after a suspected overdose.

Can someone overdose more than once?

Yes. People who have experienced one overdose remain at increased risk of another, particularly if they continue using substances without treatment. Seeking professional addiction treatment can help reduce that risk.

What should someone do after surviving an overdose?

After receiving emergency medical care, it’s important to seek treatment for substance use and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Continuing care can help address the underlying causes of addiction and support long-term recovery.

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