Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that bind to receptors in your brain or body to reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain. Doctors sometimes prescribe opioids to manage and treat moderate-to-severe pain. Opioids can cause a person’s breathing to slow down or stop— this is considered an overdose. Anyone taking prescription opioids is at risk for unintentional overdose or death. Anyone can become addicted to opioids, regardless of race, gender, income level or social class. Common prescription opioid drugs include:
- Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®, Norco®)
- Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®, Percocet®)
- Morphine (such as MS Contin®, Kadian®)
“Opioid overdoses continue to impact families and communities across our region, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Substance Use Disorder Coordinator Jasmine Blue. “Knowing the signs of an overdose, carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it are steps one can take to save a life.”
International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31.
Preliminary data from 2024 (as of June 2025) show there were 1,403 drug overdose deaths among Virginia residents, a 43% decrease from 2023. For the same year, Richmond City saw a 40% decrease in drug overdose deaths and a 46% decrease in opioid overdose deaths. Henrico County saw a 51% decrease in drug overdose deaths and a 54% decrease in opioid overdose deaths.
How to spot an opioid overdose:
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and acting quickly can save a life. Here are some signs to look for:
- The person is showing no movement or cannot be woken up
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Discoloration of lips and nails
- Extremely small pupils
- Slow or no breathing
- Choking, coughing, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Cold or clammy skin
How to stop an opioid overdose:
Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is the generic name, and the medication can be found under the brand name of Narcan ®. Naloxone is available in two forms–injectable and prepackaged nasal spray. Naloxone may be covered by your insurance provider. You may be able to get naloxone at little to no cost through community groups and RHHD.
RHHD dispenses naloxone at the following locations:
- Cary Street Clinic
400 E. Cary St.
Mondays, 8-10 a.m.
- Henrico West Clinic
8600 Dixon Powers Drive
Thursdays, 2-4 p.m.
- Resource Centers
Monday- Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Community sites via mobile unit
- (scroll to RHHD Naloxone Dispensing Schedule).
The City of Richmond has installed two harm reduction vending machines at locations across the city. These machines provide free, 24/7 access to life-saving resources such as naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips and personal hygiene items. Machines are now operational at:
- Marshall Plaza (900 E. Marshall St.)
- Southside Plaza (4100 Hull St.)
Individuals are at increased risk for an opioid overdose if they are:
- Leaving emergency care for overdoses
- Experiencing loss of tolerance due to detox, incarceration or abstinence-based treatment
- Enrolled in treatment programs
- In active substance use
Certain circumstances create a higher risk of opioid overdose emergency, including:
- Prior overdose
- Mixing drugs – combining opioids with other drugs, including alcohol, stimulants or depressants.
- Stimulants and depressants do not cancel each other out
- Using opioids alone
- Variations in strength or quantity or changing formulations (e.g., switching from quick acting to long lasting/extended release)
- Medical conditions such as chronic lung disease or kidney or liver problems