Opioid Overdose Recognition & Naloxone
Did You Know?
Opioid overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. More than 80,000 people die each year from opioid-related overdoses — most involving fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. [1]
STAY INFORMED
- Anyone can experience an opioid overdose — not just people with addiction. Accidental overdoses can occur from prescription painkillers, illegal drugs, or even mislabeled pills that contain fentanyl. [1]
- Overdoses slow or stop breathing, leading to brain injury or death within minutes. Quick recognition and immediate action can save a life. [2]
- Fentanyl is 50–100 times stronger than morphine and is now found in many counterfeit pills, powders, and street drugs. [1],[3]
- Naloxone (brand name Narcan®) can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time. It works by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. [2]
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Recognize the Signs of Overdose
- Unresponsive or unable to wake up — person may appear asleep or limp.
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing; gurgling or choking sounds.
- Pale, bluish, or cold skin (especially lips and fingernails). [2]
2. Act Immediately
- Call 911 right away. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to call — most states have **Good Samaritan laws** that protect people who help during an overdose emergency. [2]
- Administer Naloxone (Narcan®)** if available. Follow package instructions — nasal sprays are easy to use and safe even if the person is not overdosing on opioids. [3]
- Begin rescue breathing or CPR if the person is not breathing or has no pulse. [2]
3. Stay Until Help Arrives
- Monitor breathing and responsiveness. A second dose of Naloxone may be needed after 2–3 minutes if there’s no improvement.
- Do not leave the person alone. Overdose symptoms can return after Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes. [3]
4. Prevent Future Overdoses
- Never take pills or powders that didn’t come from a licensed pharmacy. Fentanyl is often mixed in without detection. [1]
- Store prescription opioids securely and dispose of unused medication through official take-back programs. [4]
- Carry Naloxone if you or someone you know uses opioids or is around others who do — it’s available without a prescription in most states. [2]
COMMUNITY SAFETY REMINDER
Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere — at work, at home, or in public. Recognizing the signs, acting fast, and having Naloxone nearby can make the difference between life and death. Talk with coworkers, friends, and family about overdose response, and help reduce stigma by treating it as a medical emergency — not a moral failure.