How to spot and stop a drug overdose: symptoms, action steps, and prevention

Drug-related emergencies can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance.

Recent health statistics show that more than 100,000 people in the United States experience fatal overdoses each year, which translates to about 275 people daily. Behind every number is a person. Someone with a story, loved ones, and a future that still matters.

The truth is simple: recognizing and responding to a drug overdose isn’t just helpful, it can save a life. Many people experiencing an opioid overdose show recognizable signs before the situation becomes critical. Quick, appropriate responses can make a significant difference in outcomes.

This guide offers information to help you recognize concerning situations, respond effectively when needed, and understand approaches that may reduce the risks of drug overdose.

What is a drug overdose? Common causes and types

A drug overdose happens when the body becomes overwhelmed by the amount or combination of substances taken. This can happen accidentally or intentionally, affecting people from all walks of life. 

When an opioid overdose happens, it disrupts normal bodily functions, sometimes causing serious health problems. But different substances have different risks. 

What are the risks of different types of drug overdose?

Different substances create different problems during an overdose.

Opioid overdose risks

Opioids (including prescription medications, heroin, and fentanyl) are a common cause of overdose. These drugs slow down breathing, and in high doses, can reduce oxygen to dangerously low levels, affecting the brain and other vital organs.

Stimulant overdose risks

Stimulants work in almost the opposite way. They can cause heart problems like irregular rhythms, high blood pressure, or reduced blood flow. Cocaine, meth, and some ADHD medications fall into this category. They can also throw off the body’s ability to control its temperature.

Benzodiazepine risks

Medications like Xanax or Valium (also known as ‘benzos’) don’t often cause major problems when taken as prescribed. The danger comes when people mix them with other substances that also slow down brain activity, like opioids or alcohol. These combinations can be particularly risky.

Alcohol overdose risks

We might not think of alcohol as causing overdoses, but drinking too much can overwhelm your liver’s ability to process it. This leads to alcohol poisoning, which is actually a form of overdose that requires immediate medical attention.

How Overdose situations develop

Overdoses don’t always happen the way people imagine. They’re rarely planned. More often, they unfold quietly; someone returns to using after a break and takes the same amount they used before. But after time away, the body changes. What once felt manageable might now be too much.

In other cases, a person might not know what they’re taking. Some drugs are mixed with fentanyl or other powerful substances without warning. Even a small change in strength can make a big difference.

Mental health plays a role, too. During difficult moments (grief or loneliness, for example), someone might take more than they meant to.

These aren’t stories of carelessness. They’re stories of pain, uncertainty, and vulnerability. And the more we understand that, the better we become at offering support that actually helps.

Overdose symptoms: how to recognize the signs of a drug overdose

Recognizing the signs of an overdose early can give someone a real chance at recovery. The symptoms can look different depending on what was used, but there are a few things to watch for.

Common overdose signs: recognizing a medical emergency

If someone is having a substance-related emergency, you may notice they’re hard to wake up, even when you speak loudly or gently shake them. 

A person might seem unusually quiet or hard to wake. You might call their name, shake their shoulder, and still get no response. Their breathing could be slow, shallow, or uneven. Sometimes there are long gaps between breaths, pauses that feel just a little too long.

Other signs are physical. Their skin might look pale or cool to the touch. Their lips or fingertips could start turning blue or purple, which is often a sign the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. You might hear strange sounds too, like gurgling or choking, almost like they’re snoring when they shouldn’t be.

If they’re unconscious and throwing up, this is especially worrying since they can’t protect their airway. Even if awake, they might seem extremely confused, unusually agitated, or experience fears that don’t make sense for what’s happening around them.

It’s okay if you’re not sure what’s happening. If something feels off, trust your instinct. It’s always better to check, to ask, to act.

Substance-specific patterns

With opioid emergencies, look for three main signs together: 

1. Very small pupils (even in dim light)
2. Difficulty waking the person
3. Noticeably slow breathing. 

Their body might look unusually relaxed, their skin paler than normal or grayish, and their face cool and clammy to touch.

Stimulants, like cocaine or meth, tend to push the body in the opposite direction. Someone might be wide awake but not okay. Their heart could be racing or pounding irregularly. They may be sweating heavily, flushed, or complaining of chest pain. You might see them acting unusually anxious, restless, or frightened, even if there’s nothing around them to trigger it.

In some cases, people have muscle tremors or uncontrollable movements. They might be conscious, but clearly in distress. These situations also need quick medical attention: staying present and calm can make all the difference while help is on the way. 

Some people also have involuntary muscle movements. Even while conscious, someone with these symptoms may be in serious physical distress and need medical help right away. Here’s what to do in an emergency.

What to do if someone is overdosing: step-by-step emergency response

When you think someone’s overdosing, every second matters. Here’s what to do.

Call for help right away

Tell the dispatcher you’re dealing with a possible overdose emergency. Give them your exact location and describe what’s happening. If you know what the person may have taken, share that too, as it helps first responders prepare. 

Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect you when you’re trying to help in these situations, so don’t hesitate to make the call.

Check how they’re doing

Try to wake the person by calling their name or gently shaking them. If they don’t respond, check their breathing. Look for slow, shallow, or irregular breaths. If their chest isn’t moving or they’re gasping, those are signs of an opioid overdose.

Give naloxone if available

If you have naloxone (Narcan) and suspect opioids were involved, use it right away. The nasal spray version is easy to use: spray it into one nostril while the person lies on their back.

If there’s no change after 2-3 minutes and you have another dose, give it. Naloxone for opioid overdose is safe even if you’re not sure what the person took. It won’t harm them and may reverse the overdose.

Position them safely

If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them on their side in the recovery position. This helps keep the airway open and prevents choking if they vomit.

Perform rescue breathing if needed

If they’re not breathing or only taking occasional gasps:

• Tilt their head back gently to open the airway
• Pinch their nose closed
• Give two initial rescue breaths, making sure their chest rises
• Continue with one breath every 5-6 seconds

If you know CPR and can’t find a pulse, start chest compressions.

Stay with them

Don’t leave someone alone during an overdose emergency. Keep checking their breathing. Be ready to act again if their condition changes.

Tell emergency responders everything you know

When paramedics arrive, tell them everything you know: what the person may have taken, when they took it, and any known health conditions. This helps guide the next steps in care. But let’s talk a little bit more about naloxone and overdose prevention.

Naloxone and overdose prevention: how to prepare for an emergency

Being prepared for a possible overdose can make all the difference. Whether you use substances yourself or care about someone who does, knowing how to prevent overdose (and how to respond) can save lives.

Carry naloxone (and know how to use it)

Naloxone (Narcan) is available without a prescription in most states. 

If you or someone you know uses opioids or is in recovery, carrying naloxone is essential. It’s also important for friends and family members to have it and know how to use it.

You can get naloxone from:

• Many pharmacies without a prescription
• Community distribution programs
• Local health departments
• Some doctors’ offices

The nasal spray version is the easiest to use. And don’t worry: you don’t need medical training, just follow the instructions on the box.

Create an overdose response plan

If you or someone close to you uses substances, have honest conversations about overdose risk. 

Create a plan that includes:

• Who to call in an emergency (both 911 and a trusted contact)
• Where you keep naloxone
• What substances are being used, so this information can be shared with emergency responders
• A safety system, like regular check-ins or using substances only when someone else is present

Conversations around overdose safety might feel difficult, but they’re vital. Planning ahead doesn’t encourage drug use; it’s a way to keep people alive long enough to get the help they deserve.

Store emergency contacts and resources

Keep important phone numbers in your phone:

• Local emergency services
• Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• A trusted friend or family member

Drug overdose prevention: harm reduction strategies that work

While complete prevention isn’t always possible, here are some effective strategies to reduce overdose risk.

Harm reduction tips for overdose prevention

Using substances alone can increase the risk of a fatal overdose, especially if help isn’t nearby. The “Never Use Alone” hotline (1-800-484-3731) allows people to call and have someone stay on the line while they use, calling for help if the person becomes unresponsive.

Know what you’re taking 

Fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs, sometimes even without the dealer knowing. Using fentanyl test strips is a simple way to check your supply. Many harm reduction groups offer them for free or at low cost. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

If you’ve taken a break, start low 

After a period of not using, your body’s tolerance resets. Taking the same amount you used before can be dangerous. If you’re using again, start with a much smaller dose, about a quarter of what you used to take. 

Be careful with mixing

Many overdoses happen when people combine substances. Mixing opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives can slow your breathing to dangerous levels. This is one of the most common factors in fatal overdoses.

Know your high-risk moments 

The risk of overdose increases after certain events: leaving treatment, after incarceration, using alone, or returning to use after a break. A history of overdose is also an important signal to take extra precautions. These moments deserve extra care, planning, and support.

The importance of treatment for substance use disorders

While harm reduction strategies save lives, professional treatment offers many people with substance use disorders the most sustainable protection against overdose. Evidence-based approaches include medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, which substantially reduce overdose risk while easing withdrawal and cravings. 

These medications work best with counseling, behavioral therapies addressing underlying concerns, and ongoing support through recovery services and peer groups.

Among these options, many people find Suboxone to be a steady, effective support in their recovery from opioids.

How suboxone works for opioid use disorder (OUD)

Suboxone combines two medications that work together to support recovery: buprenorphine and naloxone. They work together to support recovery from opioid dependence. 

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that partially activates the same receptors as other opioids but with a “ceiling effect” that limits euphoria and respiratory depression. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while preventing the intense high that full opioids produce.

The naloxone component serves as a safeguard against misuse. When you take it as prescribed (dissolved under the tongue), the naloxone has minimal effect. However, if someone attempts to inject Suboxone, the naloxone activates, potentially triggering withdrawal symptoms rather than a high.

Taken as directed, Suboxone can make a tough time feel more manageable. It gives your brain a chance to find balance again while you work on the emotional and behavioral side of recovery.

When to reach out for help with substance use

If you’re worried about your relationship with substances (or someone else’s), it’s okay to take that concern seriously. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or overdose to ask for help.

For many, substance use starts off manageable, but gradually shifts. Maybe someone begins using more than they intended, or tries to cut back and finds it harder than expected. You might notice them spending more time using, recovering, or thinking about the next dose. Day-to-day responsibilities start to fall by the wayside.

The body adapts, too. Over time, it may take more of a substance to feel the same effects. And when someone stops suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to stay on track. Cravings can be intense, even when someone is trying to do things differently.

Other warning signs might show up in how someone behaves. Using in risky situations (like while driving or caring for children) can be a red flag that more support is needed. These patterns don’t mean someone is weak. 

They mean they’re struggling, and that help is not only possible, it’s available. Recognizing when something’s not right is a decisive first step. But knowing where to turn next is just as important. 

Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or someone you care about, there are trusted resources and compassionate professionals ready to help.

Finding addiction treatment and recovery resources

SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides 24/7 information and referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Your primary care provider can offer referrals and sometimes medication-assisted treatment.

Telehealth options like QuickMD make it easier than ever to connect with healthcare providers who can prescribe medications for opioid use disorder and provide guidance on treatment options, all from the privacy of your home..

QuickMD: medication support for opioid use disorder

QuickMD offers evidence-based support to ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and help you feel more in control.

Our approach combines medical support with personalized treatment to help you with recovery.

Why choose QuickMD for opioid addiction treatment:

• 7-day-a-week availability with same-day appointments
• Licensed and certified providers offering non-judgmental care
• Affordable, premium treatment options
• Simple online booking process
• Rated 4.7 of 5 by over 2,000 patients

Understanding medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

Once someone decides they want help with opioid use, the next question is often: where do I even start?

For many, that starting point is medication. It helps stabilize the body and makes the day-to-day easier to manage. One of the most effective tools is a treatment called medication for opioid use disorder, or MOUD for short.

This approach uses medications like Suboxone to ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse. It doesn’t “cure” addiction, but it can make recovery feel more manageable, especially when paired with counseling or support.

This treatment has proven highly effective for people struggling with various substance dependencies, including opioids, Kratom, and Tianeptine.

How treatment works at QuickMD

At QuickMD, getting started with treatment is simple and private. Your first appointment is a short video or phone consultation with one of our licensed providers. During that visit, you’ll talk about your health history, your goals, and whether Suboxone is the right fit for you.

If it is, your provider may prescribe a 7-day starter dose of Suboxone to help you ease into treatment safely. This first stage is called the “induction phase,” which is just a way to describe the early period where your body adjusts to the medication. 

You’ll check in again within two weeks with a follow-up appointment. Then, from there, most people move to monthly appointments. It’s treatment that fits into your life, without judgment and without the long waits.

QuickMD offers MOUD services in most states (see service map for exceptions). Appointments cost $99, not including medication, which depends on your chosen pharmacy and prescription drug coverage.

Taking the first step is often the hardest part of recovery. QuickMD makes it easier with accessible, compassionate care when you’re ready.

Overdose prevention: knowledge that saves lives

Knowing what an overdose looks like (and what to do about it) can save someone’s life. Maybe even someone you know. The more we understand the risks, the signs, and the options for treatment, the better chance we have of helping each other. No one should have to go through this alone.

Drug overdoses affect people from all walks of life, and the stigma around substance use often prevents people from getting help. By approaching this issue with compassion rather than judgment, we create a community where people feel safe seeking the support they need before an overdose occurs. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, know that help is out there, and it’s okay to ask for it. The first step is often the hardest, but also the most important. Support is closer than you think.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What if I’m alone when someone overdoses on drugs?

First, call 911. While waiting, try to wake them by speaking loudly and tapping firmly. Check their breathing. If it’s abnormal or absent, start CPR if you know how. Use naloxone if available and you suspect opioids. Don’t leave them alone. When help arrives, tell them what substances were taken if you know.

Can taking prescriptions exactly as directed cause a drug overdose?

Yes, though it’s less common. This might happen when medications interact unexpectedly, when your body processes drugs differently due to health changes, or when prescriptions from different doctors overlap. 

Always tell each provider about everything you’re taking, including over-the-counter products. Call your doctor if you notice unusual reactions.

How long does naloxone work? Might someone need more than one dose?

Naloxone works for 30-90 minutes, but many opioids stay active much longer. Someone might improve after naloxone, but then slip back into an overdose as it wears off. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl often require multiple doses. 

Always call 911 even after giving naloxone. Medical monitoring is crucial even if the person seems fine at first.