Emergency Guide

Overdose Response — What to Do Right Now

Overdose can be reversed if you act quickly. This guide covers recognition, naloxone use, and when to call emergency services.

Emergency: If someone is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call emergency services immediately. This page supplements — not replaces — professional medical care.

How Do You Recognize an Opioid Overdose?

Signs include unconsciousness, limp body, pale or blue lips and fingernails, slow or stopped breathing, gurgling sounds, and pinpoint pupils.

  1. Call emergency services immediately. Good Samaritan laws in many jurisdictions protect callers from prosecution for drug possession.
  2. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. Nasal spray: one spray in one nostril. Repeat every 2–3 minutes if no response, up to three doses.
  3. Perform rescue breathing if the person is not breathing: tilt head back, lift chin, give one breath every 5 seconds.
  4. Place in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking on vomit.
  5. Stay with them. Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes — medical care is still required even if they appear to revive.

Resources: SAMHSA Naloxone Information

Stimulant Overdose (Cocaine, Amphetamines, MDMA)

Signs: extreme agitation, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizure, very high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness.

  1. Call emergency services. Do not leave the person alone.
  2. Move them to a cool environment. Apply cool wet cloths to neck, armpits, and groin.
  3. Do not give anything to eat or drink if unconscious.
  4. If seizure: protect the head, do not restrain, do not put anything in the mouth. If it continues beyond 5 minutes, this is a medical emergency.

Depressant Overdose (Benzodiazepines, GHB, Alcohol)

Signs: unconscious, slow or stopped breathing, unresponsive, blue lips. Naloxone does not reverse benzo or GHB overdose — only opioids.

  1. Call emergency services immediately.
  2. Place in recovery position. Keep airway clear.
  3. Monitor breathing continuously until help arrives.
  4. Do not give stimulants to counteract the overdose — this can cause cardiac strain.

Overdose FAQ

Can naloxone harm someone who is not overdosing on opioids?

Naloxone only affects opioid receptors. It is safe to administer when opioid overdose is suspected, even if you are wrong about the cause.

Where can I get naloxone?

Many pharmacies, health departments, and harm reduction organizations distribute naloxone without a prescription. Check National Harm Reduction Coalition for local programs.