Overdose: what to spot and what to do right now

Every minute counts when someone overdoses. You don’t need medical training to save a life — you just need to know the signs and a few clear steps. This page gives quick, practical actions you can use immediately and tips to lower the chance of an overdose happening again.

How to spot an overdose

Different drugs cause different signs, but a few things are common and urgent. For suspected opioid overdose look for very slow or no breathing, tiny pinpoint pupils, limp body, and blue or pale lips or nails. For stimulants or pills watch for fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, extreme agitation, seizures, very high body temperature, or passing out. If the person is hard to wake, not responding, or breathing less than 8 times a minute, treat it as an emergency.

What to do right now

1) Call emergency services immediately — 911 or your local emergency number. Say "possible overdose" and give the location. 2) If you suspect an opioid overdose and you have naloxone (Narcan), give it right away. Naloxone can reverse opioid effects in minutes. Follow instructions on the box: spray or inject, wait, and repeat if needed. 3) Check breathing. If they're not breathing normally, start rescue breaths or CPR if you’re trained. If breathing is slow but present, put them in the recovery position (on their side with the top leg bent) to keep their airway clear and prevent choking if they vomit. 4) Stay with them until help arrives. Never leave someone alone after giving naloxone — opioids can come back as the naloxone wears off.

Don’t do risky or unhelpful things: don’t make them vomit, don’t give them other drugs or alcohol to "wake them up," and don’t assume a cold shower will fix it. Those actions can make things worse.

Gather useful info for responders: what drug(s) were taken, how much, when, whether prescription bottles or leftover pills are nearby, and if the person has medical conditions. Bring this info to the responders or hospital — it helps treatment and can speed care.

After the immediate crisis, think prevention. Store medications locked and out of sight. Dispose of unused pills at a take-back site. If someone uses illicit drugs, encourage testing (fentanyl test strips can detect fentanyl contamination) and never let them use alone. If prescription medicines are involved, talk to the prescriber about lower doses, safer combos, and non-drug options. Access to addiction support, counseling, and treatment reduces repeat overdoses.

If you want to be ready, consider getting naloxone and training in your area. Many community centers, pharmacies, and public health programs provide free kits and teach how to use them. Knowing a few steps can turn a scary moment into a saved life.