FAQs About Overdose

1. CALL 9-1-1
2. Rescue Breathing View This Video
3. Give Naloxone: How to use naloxone

Overdose can happen to anyone, not just those using illegal drugs. Accidentally taking too much prescription painkiller medication or mixing medications or drugs can lead to accidental overdose (CDC). There are many reasons for opioid overdose emergencies, and most often they happen accidentally and at home (Narcan.com).

Overdose signs and symptoms include:

• Blue lips and fingers
• Pinpoint pupils
• Vomiting or gurgling
• Drowsy/unresponsive
• Fast/Slow/Absent Pulse
• Shallow/Slow/No Breathing
• No response if you yell or shake their shoulder, or rub your knuckles on their sternum or between upper lip & nose

Opioids are narcotics used for pain relief that produce morphine-like effects on the body.

Common names of opioids are hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco), oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin), morphine, codeine (Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4), heroin, Fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol (Ultram) (Munson Health Care, n.d.). 

• Naloxone (brand names Narcan ®, Kloxxado ®) is a medication that binds to opioid receptors in the brain. It can help reverse an opioid overdose (Narcan.com; Addiction Treatment Services, 2022).
• Naloxone is safe to use if you think someone is overdosing. It has no effect if someone doesn't have opioids in their system. It can even be used if pregnant, or for children (Narcan.com; Addiction Treatment Services, 2022).
• Naloxone works on opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, morphine, methadone, and the medications listed above. It's not effective against other drugs, but if someone has used opioids along with other drugs like meth, alcohol, or cocaine, naloxone can still block the effect of the opioid and help the person start breathing (Addiction Treatment Services, 2022). 
• This picture shows how Naloxone works (Naloxone 101, 2017). 

EVERYONE can use naloxone, not just trained professionals. See the quick guides above for how to administer Naloxone. 

• The person will start to wake up and breathe normally. They might be confused, agitated, or anxious. 
• Even if the person isn't inhaling the nasal medicine, it is absorbed by the mucosal lining in the nostril.  
• Multiple doses might be necessary. Wait 2-3 minutes after the first dose before giving another dose of naloxone (Narcan.com).
• Even when someone arouses, they still have opioids in their system and might overdose again. Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical care.

• You are not in trouble if you report an overdose.
• Michigan's Good Samaritan Law (RCW 69.50.315) “prevents drug possession charges against those that seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances. This law makes saving lives the priority during a drug overdose, not criminal prosecutions of illegal drug users.” (State of Michigan)

People die from opioid overdose because of a lack of oxygen caused by slow or absent breathing. You can prevent permanent brain damage and death by getting oxygen into the person until they start breathing on their own. See the video above for rescue breathing techniques. Use a breathing barrier, like a mask, if you have one, to avoid contact with bodily fluids. 

Yes!

• Naloxone is still likely to be effective past its expiration date.
• The longer past expiration, the less effective it will be.
• Contact the Traverse City Police Department to get a new kit if yours expires.
• Call or text 9-1-1 in the event of any overdose, especially if you're using outdated Naloxone. 

Naloxone only lasts between 30-90 minutes.

• When they arouse, the person probably won't remember overdosing, and may be experiencing withdrawal effects and want to use again.
• Support the person and encourage them not to use for a couple of hours (Opioid Overdose Basics, 2022). 

• If you're taking drugs, try to be with other people.
• Know your limits if your body is not used to medications.
• Don't mix drugs. You're more likely to OD if you combine an opiate, like a painkiller or heroin, with alcohol, cocaine, benzos, or other drugs.

Pain management, personal coping, pleasure, drug dependence, trauma history, mental health issues, difficulties sleeping, fitting in, love, money, stress, law enforcement issues (National Library of Medicine).

Barriers to treatment include lack of access to treatment, lack of health insurance, criminal record, childcare, money for treatment, discrimination, and many more.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex condition where a person continues using a substance despite it causing harm. SUD, also known as addiction, changes how the brain works, affecting judgment, decision-making, and self-control. Over time, people may develop tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms that make it hard to stop using substances (Mayo Clinic).

This short, animated video explains how opioids affect the brain, and how dependence can begin. 

The ECDOL (out of Florida) provides some resources for talking to your family about fentanyl, known to cause overdose. 

Locally, Addiction Treatment Services has a program called the Family Road to Recovery that supports friends and family along a person's path to recovery and struggling with substance use disorder.