What to Do If Someone Is Overdosing
Each year, thousands of lives are lost to drug overdose but many of those deaths are preventable. Knowing what to do in the moment can mean the difference between life and death. In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Month, we’re helping individuals, families, and communities better understand how to recognize the signs of an overdose and respond effectively.
In case of a mental health crisis, call 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
Understanding Overdose Symptoms
An overdose occurs when a person takes too much of a substance, or a combination of substances and the body can’t handle the effects. Overdoses can result from opioids (like fentanyl or heroin), stimulants (like cocaine or meth), or a mix of substances. Being able to recognize overdose symptoms is critical.
Common overdose symptoms include:
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Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
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Blue or gray lips or fingertips
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Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up
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Gurgling or choking sounds
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Cold or clammy skin
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Small, pinpoint pupils (especially with opioid use)
What Does an Overdose Look Like?
Witnessing an overdose can be frightening. A person may appear to be sleeping or passed out, but if they’re unresponsive, it’s essential to act quickly.
Signs of an overdose include:
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No response to shouting or shaking
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Irregular or stopped breathing
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Vomiting while unconscious
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Limp body or pale, ashen skin tone
In case of a mental health crisis, call 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
How to Respond in an Overdose Situation
1. Call 911 right away. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to be cautious. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect those who seek medical help for an overdose.
2. Administer naloxone if available. Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It’s available without a prescription in many states.
3. Keep the person safe. If they’re breathing, lay them on their side in the recovery position. If not breathing, begin CPR if trained.
4. Stay until help arrives. Your presence and information can help emergency responders act more effectively.
Why Overdose Awareness Matters
Overdose Awareness Month is not only a time to remember those lost to overdose, but also a time to raise awareness and save lives through education, prevention, and action.
Encouraging Signs but Much Progress Still Needed
In 2024, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yielded an estimate of 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States, a decrease of 26.9 percent from the 110,037 deaths in 2023. This is the lowest number of projected deaths since 2019.
Overdose deaths from opioids mainly fentanyl decreased in 2024, but they still account for almost 68 percent of all overdose fatalities. Deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants also decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 (51,630 in 2024 compared to 67,929 in 2023).
Sources: National Center for Health Statistics (2024), CDC (2025)
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Foundations Recovery Network is here for you. Whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or helping a loved one, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Call us today at 833-427-2300 or visit our website to learn more about our network of treatment facilities across the U.S.
