What is a Drug-Related Overdose
A drug-related overdose can occur when a toxic amount of a drug, or a combination of drugs, overwhelms the body. People can overdose on many different substances, including prescription or illicit drugs and alcohol. Drug-related overdose is a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States and California.
Factors That Increase the Risk of a Fatal Opioid Overdose Include:
- People who mix different types of drugs or mix drugs with alcohol.
- Those who have had a prior non-fatal overdose
- Individuals who use drugs alone
- Older adults.
- People with a compromised immune system.
- Those experiencing a rapid decrease in tolerance from situations such as hospitalization, incarceration, and detoxification.
What are the Signs of an Opioid Overdose
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Doesn’t respond to stimuli like shouting, a pinch, or sternum rub
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially on lips and nails)
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Follow the following link to learn signs of other types of overdose - CDPH signs of an overdose
How to Respond to a Drug Overdose
It may be hard to tell if someone is experiencing an overdose. If you are not sure, treat it like an overdose - you could save a life.
- Call 911
- If you have it, give Narcan (naloxone). Follow the link to learn more about Narcan: The Facts About Narcan
- Keep the person awake and breathing.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with the person until 911 responders arrive.
More Tips for Reducing Drug Overdoes
Carry Narcan (naloxone)
Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan is safe and easy to use and works almost immediately. It is now available over the counter, without a prescription, at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, as well as online. Follow the link to learn more about Narcan: The Facts About Narcan.
Know what’s in your drugs
Use test strips to look for the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in drugs. Follow the link to learn more about The Facts About Narcan.
Never use drugs alone
Make sure the people around you are aware when you have taken drugs, in case they need to give you naloxone or call for emergency assistance.
Have regular conversations
Talk with teens, young people, and loved ones about the risks associated with fentanyl and mixing drugs and how to help respond to an overdose to reduce the stigma around seeking help, treatment, and care.
Ask for help
Reach out for support when you’re ready. Recovery from substance use disorders is possible—it’s okay to ask for help. You can find treatment and service options near you by visiting findtreatment.gov or calling the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357)
Sources: Signs of Overdose (ca.gov), Risks and How to Reduce Them | Overdose Prevention | CDC
Updated July 30th, 2024 | Public Health Harm Reduction Unit | 2650 Breslauer Way, Redding, CA 96001 | (530) 225-5591
