TL;DR
Opioid overdoses are serious, life-threatening emergencies. Recognizing the warning signs quickly, calling 911, and giving naloxone (Narcan) can save a life. Activate EMS immediately. Even if the person regains consciousness after receiving naloxone, they still need immediate medical care.
An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency and should always be treated as one. Opioids are a class of drugs generally prescribed for managing pain and include medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl. They also include illegal drugs like heroin. Opioids slow breathing, so an overdose can quickly lead to brain damage or death.
However, quickly administering naloxone (sold in nasal spray forms under names like Narcan) can help reverse the effects and save a life. Quickly recognizing the symptoms of an opioid overdose is key.
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose can look like normal sleep, but the slowed breathing can stop oxygen from reaching the brain.
Watch for these warning signs:
- The person will not wake up, even shaken or shouted at.
- Slow, shallow, irregular, or no breathing.
- Gasping, choking, or snoring-like sounds.
- Blue, gray, or pale lips and fingernails.
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils.
- Limp body that doesn’t respond to touch.
- Cold or clammy skin.
Even if you aren’t sure that the symptoms are caused by an opioid overdose, you should treat the situation as if they were. Administering naloxone to somebody who isn’t overdosing is unlikely to harm them, but ignoring an overdose is certainly a disaster.
What to Do Immediately
If you suspect an opioid overdose:
- Check if the person responds by shouting their name and gently shaking their shoulders.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Give naloxone if it is available.
- Provide rescue breathing if they are not breathing normally.
- Begin CPR if they have no pulse.
- Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.
Even if the person wakes up after receiving naloxone, they still need emergency medical care.
How to Give Naloxone
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioids by restoring breathing. It is commonly available as a nasal spray and can be bought over-the-counter in generic or brand-name (Narcan) forms.
To use a naloxone nasal spray on another person:
- Lay the person on their back.
- Tilt their head back slightly.
- Insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril.
- Press the plunger firmly to deliver the dose.
If the person does not respond within 2 to 3 minutes, give the person a new dose. Keep in mind, many of the nasal spray devices only contain one dose, so you’ll have to open another to give it.
Rescue Breathing Can Save a Life
Rescue breaths are important because any victim of an opioid overdose is going to be unable to breathe sufficiently.
To provide rescue breaths:
- Lay the person flat on their back.
- Tilt the head back and lift the chin.
- Pinch the nose closed.
- Seal your mouth over theirs.
- Give one slow breath every 5 to 6 seconds.
- Watch for the chest to rise.
Continue rescue breathing until the person breathes normally or EMS takes over.
When to Start CPR
If the person is not breathing and has no pulse, begin CPR immediately.
For adults:
- Place both hands in the center of the chest.
- Push hard and fast at 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Compress about 2 inches deep.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil.
- If trained, give rescue breaths with compressions.
- Use an AED as soon as one is available.
Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive or the person begins breathing and has a pulse.
Why You Must Always Call 911
Naloxone is temporary, and many of the longer-acting opioids will stay in the system after naloxone loses its effect. Even if a person who just overdosed is responsive and breathing normally, they may not be when the naloxone wears off.
Emergency responders can:
- Monitor breathing and heart function.
- Give additional naloxone if needed.
- Provide oxygen and advanced airway care.
- Treat complications.
- Transport the person to the hospital.
You should never assume someone is safe simply because they woke up.
After the Person Wakes Up
As naloxone takes effect and the victim wakes up, they may become confused, anxious, or experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, vomiting, or body aches.
If they wake up:
- Encourage them to stay seated or lying down.
- If they are breathing normally but become sleepy again, place them in the recovery position on their side.
- Watch their breathing until EMS arrives.
- Do not allow them to take more opioids.
Remain calm and continue monitoring them until help arrives.
Prevention Tips
Reduce the risk of an opioid overdose by:
- Taking prescription opioids only as directed.
- Avoiding alcohol or sedatives unless approved by a healthcare provider.
- Storing medications securely.
- Keeping naloxone available if someone is at risk.
- Learning how to use naloxone before an emergency.
- Teaching family members to recognize overdose signs.
Naloxone and Good Samaritan Laws
As of 2026, all 50 states have enacted laws that protect bystanders who are acting in good faith when administering Naloxone (Narcan). To qualify as a Good Samaritan, you must not accept payment to help. The goal is to save lives.
Where Can I Buy Naloxone?
Naloxone is now available over the counter and without a prescription. It’s available through online retailers like Amazon or your local pharmacy.
Final Thoughts
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency where every minute matters. Recognizing the warning signs, calling 911 immediately, giving naloxone, supporting breathing, and performing CPR when necessary can save a life. Naloxone is highly effective, but it is only a temporary treatment. Every person who receives naloxone should still be evaluated by emergency medical professionals. Acting quickly gives the best chance of survival.