Opioid Overdose Prevention
South Boston HOPE Initiative
What is an Opioid?
natural opioids (e.g.
morphine)
Semi-synthetics (e.g.
heroin)
synthetics with
morphine-like
action (e.g. codeine,
hydromorphone,
methadone,
oxycodone,
meperidine,
fentanyl).
Medications such as
pentazocine and
buprenorphine that
have both opiate
agonist and
antagonist effects
are also included in
this class because
their agonist
properties produce
similar physiological
and behavioural
effects.
What is an Opioid Overdose?
*Opioid induced respiratory depression*
• Otherwise known as- hypoventilation - a state in
which there is a reduced amount of air entering the
pulmonary alveoli (decreased alveolar ventilation),
which causes an increase in arterial carbon dioxide level.
• In an opiate overdose, the breathing slows to the point of
respiratory arrest where the lack of oxygen to the brain
leads to the loss of consciousness, coma, or death
Signs of an overdose
• Mouth and fingers turning blue
• Person is unconscious and breathing slowly
• Does not respond to:
- yelling at them
- Rubbing the knuckles on the breastbone
• Weak pulse
• Extremely small pupils, sometimes as small as
the head of a pin ("pinpoint pupils")
At risk for an overdose?
Loss of tolerance
Having
overdosed before
The first 2 weeks
of release from a
treatment facility
or incarceration.
Using alone
Relapse
Mixing –
especially alcohol
and benzos
What should you do?
• CALL 911!
- Give the address or location
- Say “my friend is unconscious and I can’t wake
them up” or “My friend is not breathing”
• Rescue breathing
• Recovery position
• Adminster Narcan if you have it
• CALL 911!
What is Narcan?
Naloxone is a drug used to counter the effects of
opioid overdose, for example heroin or morphine
overdose. Naloxone is specifically used to
counteract life-threatening depression of the
central nervous system and respiratory system. It
is marketed under various trademarks including
Narcan, Nalone, and Narcanti.
• Administered either intravenously or intranasal
What NOT to do…
•
•
•
•
•
Inject person with either saline or milk
Throw person in the shower
Punch them
Shove ice into any part of their body
Inject with cocaine or speed
Safety Tips for Users
• Use one drug at a time, or use less of each drug. Do your heroin
first and pace your drinking.
• Use less when you are sick or took a break from using. Do a tester
shot, or split your dope in half and wait.
• Do a tester shot, release the tourniquet, and try to buy from the
same dealer so you have a better idea of what you’re getting.
• FIX WITH A FRIEND! Develop an overdose plan with your friends or
partners, leave the door unlocked or slightly ajar, call someone you
trust and have them check on you, and if you do use alone and feel
yourself going out, call 911
Best way to avoid an overdose?
100% guarantee not to have an overdose –
Actively particpate in recovery.
Questions ?