Overdose Prevention

An opioid overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency, but overdose deaths can be prevented. If you think an overdose may be occurring, it is important to act quickly to save a life and call 911 immediately.  

How to Recognize an Opioid Overdose: 

    • Slow or no breathing 
    • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” 
    • Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
    • Unresponsiveness  
    • Pale, or clammy skin 
    • For lighter skinned people, skin tone turns bluish purple, for darker skinned people, it turns grayish or ashen

How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose:  

    1. Check for responsiveness 
    2. Call 911 immediately 
    3. Administer naloxone 
    4. Provide rescue breathing 
    5. Wait for help 

Learn more about opioid addiction and overdose prevention: 

Never Use Alone

1-877-696-1996
neverusealone.com

Toll-free national overdose prevention, ​detection, ​life-saving ​​crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use drugs while alone.

Available 24-hours a ​day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
No stigma. No ​judgment.​​​​​​

  • Overdose Prevention Resources

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  • How and When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose (cdc.gov)

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  • Virginia Drug Overdose and Substance Use Data

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  • REVIVE! Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education Training

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  • Overdose Prevention | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center

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Last Updated: February 10, 2025