Understanding overdose – What you need to know:
The cause of death from overdose of opioids is usually respiratory failure. The person will get weak
from lack of oxygen, lose consciousness, stop breathing and die. If you are the one experiencing an
overdose you will not be aware that you are in trouble—your only hope is for someone around you to
recognize that something is wrong. One of the key factors in recognizing an overdose is paying attention
to how a person is breathing. Unfortunately victims of overdose usually just fall asleep and die.
Overdose Symptoms for Opioids
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Slow shallow breathing/respiratory depression (taking less than 10 breaths per minute)
Pinpoint pupils (or non-reactive pupils)
Blue lips, bluish tinge to skin or fingernails
Confusion
Drowsiness/difficulty staying awake
Cold and clammy skin
Loss of consciousness
Clouding of mental function/abnormal behavior
Seizures
Reduced vision
Nausea/vomiting
A lot of the above symptoms may not seem serious, but it’s important to listen to your gut instincts—if you
think something is wrong it probably is, it’s better in cases of overdose to be safe than sorry. If you think
your friend may be overdosing you need to get your friend home and tell his parents what you’re
concerned about. Your friend’s life may depend on you telling his parents. They need to know to not let
him fall asleep and to watch him carefully all night or he could die. If he is in immediate danger, first get
help then call his parents. Be honest with everyone about what your friend has taken. It is also critical you
don't leave a friend alone; your friend’s life may depend on you. If you leave your friend alone or not tell
their parents your concerns about possible overdose, they could go to sleep and not wake up!
What if you’re not quite sure the person is really overdosing:
Call Poison Control, 800-222-1222. If you don’t remember the number call 411 and ask to be connected
to Poison Control. You will be able to speak to an expert anonymously, for free. They will ask you
questions and can assess the person’s condition and help you make a decision about what needs to be
done. If your friend has stopped breathing, is unconscious or having seizures you must call 911
immediately.
What you can do if you think someone is overdosing and when to call 911:
Watch your friend closely. If his respirations start to decrease to less than 10 in a minute, then he
probably needs medical attention immediately. Call 911. While you are waiting for an ambulance, be
sure to keep him awake; don't let him go to sleep. Do whatever you have to do to keep him awake. Try
shaking him to rouse him. It is critical to keep him awake and talking if you can. Use your head
especially if respirations are decreasing, better to call 911 than go to a funeral or visit your friend while
he lays in a coma.
If you can't keep him awake and talking watch his breathing closely. If he stops breathing start CPR.
Keep doing this until EMS arrives. Follow this link on the internet to view a video on how to do
compression only CPR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n3ahmJzH_E&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Resources: The Nat’l Institute on Drug Abuse, Nat’l Institutes of Health, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, Red Cross