Opioid overdose
On this page
- About opioid overdoses
- People at risk of an opioid overdose
- Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose
- Responding to an opioid overdose
- Reduce your risk
- Get help
About opioid overdoses
In case of an overdose:
- Know the signs
- Call 9-1-1
- Give Naloxone
- Stay until help arrives
An opioid overdose is often referred to as an opioid poisoning or a drug poisoning. Opioid drugs affect the part of your brain that controls your breathing. When you take more opioids than your body can handle (overdose), your breathing slows. This can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
People at risk of an opioid overdose
Anyone using either prescribed or illegal opioids can have an overdose, but you're at higher risk if you:
- take prescription opioids more often or at higher doses than prescribed
- take an opioid after a period of not using them
- take opioids with alcohol or sedatives, such as:
- sleeping pills
- muscle relaxants
- benzodiazepines
- inject or smoke opioids or illegal drugs which could contain opioids
- take an opioid you're not used to, or switch to a stronger opioid
- take a higher dose than you're used to
- use drugs of unknown purity or strength
- have other health conditions, like liver or kidney disease or breathing problems
An overdose can also happen if you use opioids other than as prescribed. For example, extended-release opioid tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. If you crush or break them before taking them, too much of the drug is released at once. This can cause an overdose.
The strength and type of illegal opioids are unknown and can vary. This can increase the risk of overdose and death. Opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil can be particularly dangerous because they're:
- fatal in very small amounts
- often mixed with other illegal drugs, such as:
- xylazine
- cocaine
- illegal counterfeit prescription drugs such as oxycodone
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose
Recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose, including:
- difficulty walking, talking or staying awake
- blue, purple or grey lips or nails
- very small pupils (also known as pinpoint)
- cold and clammy skin
- dizziness and confusion
- extreme drowsiness
- choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- slow, weak or no breathing
- unresponsive (unable to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at)
Other signs and symptoms could be present that don't look like the ones listed above. These can include stiff body and seizure-like movement. Administer naloxone, even if you’re in doubt. It won’t cause harm and it can save a life.
Responding to an opioid overdose
If you suspect an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 right away, or your local emergency help line.
Give the person naloxone if it's available. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose if it's given right away. You can give naloxone while you wait for help to arrive.
An overdose is always an emergency. Even if someone has taken naloxone, it can wear off before they have completely recovered from their overdose. They may need multiple doses. Always call for help.
Follow the directions in your naloxone kit and from the 9-1-1 or emergency help line operator.
Learn more:
Reduce your risk
When using illegal drugs, it's impossible to know exactly what you're taking. More and more, illegal drugs are contaminated with strong opioids like fentanyl. You can't see, taste or smell fentanyl, and a few grains can be enough to kill the average person. Opioid overdoses are happening to people who don't even realize they're taking an opioid.
If you use opioids or other drugs, you can reduce your risk of overdose or death by following these tips.
- Never use alone. Have a friend nearby or use an overdose prevention service (in-person, telephone or app) to help you in case of an overdose.
- Know the signs of an opioid overdose.
- Carry a naloxone kit and know how to use it to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
- Don't use more than one drug at a time or use drugs with alcohol. Mixing substances increases your risk of harm or overdose.
Get help
If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, including overdose prevention, there are services available. Talk to a health care provider or:
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