If a person has an overdose, it usually happens about 1 to 3 hours after they used a drug. Signs include:

• Heavy nodding — looking like they’re losing consciousness (falling asleep)

• Not waking up when you yell their name or firmly rub the middle of their chest

• Blue lips or blue fingertips

• Slow breathing (less than 1 breath every 5 seconds) or no breathing

• Very limp body and very pale face

• Choking sounds or a gurgling, snoring noise

Source: Prescribe to Prevent

If you think someone is having an overdose, act fast.

• Try to wake the person up. Keep yelling their name and rubbing the middle of their chest hard.

• Call 911 right away. Give the address and say if the person is not breathing. You will not get in trouble with the police for helping.

• Put the person on their side. This will help stop them from choking.

• Stay until the ambulance arrives if you can. Staying is best. If you have to go, leave the door open.

If the person has stopped breathing, start rescue breathing.

• Make sure nothing is in the person’s mouth.

• Tilt their head back, lift the chin, and pinch the nose shut.

• Give 1 slow breath every 5 seconds until they start breathing.

If you have it, give the person Narcan — a medicine that can stop an overdose from opioids. It will help wake them up and keep them breathing.

If you have nasal Narcan (a nose spray):

• Screw the parts together.

• Use a full vial (container).

• Spray half in each side of the nose (each nostril).

If you have injectable Narcan (a shot):

• Give the person the shot (1cc/ml) in a large muscle, like their upper arm or upper leg.

You can get Narcan at the pharmacy. Call first to be sure they carry it — if they don’t, ask them to stock it. People who use opioids can carry Narcan the same way people with allergies carry an EpiPen. Narcan is not addictive. ​

Narcan only works with opioids. It won’t help with overdoses from other drugs like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium), methamphetamines (speed, crystal meth), cocaine, bath salts, or alcohol.

Source: Prescribe to Prevent

Even if you’re using opioids, there are still ways to keep yourself safe and avoid an overdose.

• Try not to use alone (because no one can help you if something goes wrong).

• Try to avoid mixing drugs like benzos, alcohol, and opioids like heroin.

• Tell your friends and family what to do if you have an overdose.

• Always have Narcan with you.

• Be aware of your tolerance if you have not used in a while.

• Do a tester shot to gauge potency, especially if it is a new batch. You can always do more and not less.

• Access your local Syringe Access Program

Source: Prescribe to Prevent