An opioid overdose can slow down or stop vital functions in the body, making it a life-threatening emergency. Without quick intervention, an overdose can lead to severe complications or even death.
This guide explains what happens inside the body during an opioid overdose, the warning signs to watch for, and why immediate medical attention is critical.
Signs of opioid overdose
When too much of the drug enters the system, it can overwhelm the body and lead to dangerous symptoms. The signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Slow or stopped breathing: Opioids affect the brain’s ability to control breathing. This can cause shallow breathing, long pauses between breaths, or even completely stopping breathing.
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness: Opioids slow down the central nervous system, which can make a person very sleepy, confused, or unable to wake up.
- Small pupils (pinpoint pupils): Most people experiencing an opioid overdose have very tiny pupils, but this is not always the case.
- Low blood pressure: Opioids cause blood vessels to relax, which can make blood pressure drop too low, leading to dizziness or fainting.
- Nausea and vomiting: Opioids can slow down digestion, making a person feel sick and vomit.
- Seizures: Some opioids lower the body’s ability to prevent seizures, making them more likely, especially in children.
- Lung problems: Breathing too slowly can cause low oxygen levels, leading to blue lips or fingernails and possible lung infections.
- Fluid buildup in the lungs: A heroin overdose can cause sudden shortness of breath, coughing up frothy fluid, and a blue or pale face, similar to drowning.
How opioid overdose happens
An opioid overdose occurs when too much of the drug overwhelms the body, slowing down essential functions like breathing. When this happens, oxygen levels drop dangerously low, which can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death. Several factors can increase the risk of an opioid overdose:
- Taking too much at once: Opioids affect the brain’s breathing control. A high dose can make breathing too slow or stop it completely.
- Increasing doses over time: Some people take more opioids over time to get the same effect, but higher doses also raise the chance of overdose.
- Using opioids after a break: After stopping opioids for a while, the body loses its tolerance. If someone takes the same amount they used before, it can be too much and cause an overdose.
- Mixing opioids with alcohol or sedatives: Taking opioids with alcohol, sleep aids, or anxiety medications (like benzodiazepines) can slow breathing even more, making overdose more likely.
- Stronger opioids like fentanyl: Fentanyl is much stronger than other opioids and works very fast. Overdosing on fentanyl is harder to reverse with naloxone and can be deadly.
- Certain health conditions: Older adults, people with lung disease, long-term opioid users, and those with a history of addiction or mental health issues have a higher risk of overdose.
- Taking more than prescribed: Using more opioids than prescribed or taking someone else’s medication can quickly lead to overdose.
Responding to an opioid overdose
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency that requires quick action. If you suspect someone is overdosing, follow these steps:
Check for signs of overdose
Assess the situation to see if the person is in danger. Look for:
- Are they breathing? If not, call 911.
- Are their skin, fingertips, or lips discolored? Blue or pale skin can indicate a lack of oxygen.
- Can they speak? If they cannot form words, they may be losing consciousness.
- Do they respond? Try calling their name or shaking them gently.
If they do not wake up, try direct pain stimulation:
- Rub or press your knuckles firmly into their breastbone.
- Press or rub their upper lip with your knuckles.
If they respond
If the person reacts, try to keep them awake and alert. Ask simple questions to check if they are confused.
- If they complain of chest pain, pressure, or trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
- DO NOT let them fall back asleep.
If they do not respond
If the person does not wake up or react, this is a medical emergency.
- Call 911 right away.
- Do not hesitate to call for help. Many states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who assist in an overdose, even if drugs are involved.
If they are not breathing
If you know CPR, begin chest compressions and rescue breaths until they start breathing or help arrives.
Put them in the recovery position
While waiting for medical help:
- Lay them on their side.
- Bend one knee slightly to keep them from rolling over.
- This position prevents choking if they vomit.
Reversing opioid overdose with Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. It works within minutes to restore normal breathing and prevent death.
How Naloxone works
Naloxone stops the effects of opioids by:
- Restoring breathing: It quickly reverses slowed or stopped breathing caused by opioids.
- Waking the person up: It helps restore consciousness in someone unresponsive due to an overdose.
- Acting fast: The effects begin within 2 to 5 minutes but may wear off in 30 to 90 minutes, so medical help is still needed.
How to use Naloxone
If someone is overdosing, follow these steps:
- Call 911: Always seek medical help, even if Naloxone is given.
- Give naloxone: Use a nasal spray or injection, following the instructions on the package.
- Monitor the person: Give another dose if they do not wake up in 2 to 3 minutes.
- Perform rescue breathing if needed: If they are not breathing, give rescue breaths while waiting for help.
Where to get Naloxone
Naloxone is available without a prescription in many pharmacies and community health centers. It is safe to use and has no effect on people who do not have opioids in their system.
Having Naloxone on hand can save a life. If you or someone you know takes opioids, keeping Naloxone nearby is an important safety measure.
Opioid overdose is a sign you might need mental health counseling
Many people who rely on opioids may be dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic pain, and professional support can help them recover. At Modern, we provide online therapy tailored to those struggling with opioid use.
Confidential and secure
- Online therapy ensures privacy, allowing you to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma.
Specialized care
- Connect with therapists who understand opioid addiction, withdrawal, and long-term recovery challenges.
Personalized support
- Therapy sessions can be adjusted to fit your evolving recovery needs, ensuring you get the right level of support at every stage of your journey.
We’re in-network and accept insurance
Online therapy covered by insurance does exist. Modern Recovery works with leading insurance providers across the United States to bring you quality mental health treatment that’s both accessible and affordable.
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Sources
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