Signs of an overdose

An overdose might look different from one person to the next. But there are things you can look for if you suspect someone may have overdosed on an opioid like heroin or fentanyl.

Look for these signs:

• Not moving and can’t be woken
• Slow, shallow breathing or not breathing
• Blue lips and nails
• Person may be choking, making gurgling sounds, or snoring
• Cold, clammy skin
• Pupils are tiny

If you suspect someone may have overdosed call 911 immediately, time is of the essence. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.

Learn more about how to respond to an overdose:

• Overdose Survival Guide  – ​ English (PDF)
• Guide de Survie à une Surdose – French (PDF)
• 药物/毒品过量时的 生存指南 – Simplified Chinese (PDF)
• ਇੱ ਕੋ ਸਮੇਂ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਨਸ਼ਾ ਕਰਨ (ਓਵਰਡੋਿ) ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਜਾਨ ਬਚਾਉਣ ਸੰ ਬੰ ਧੀ ਗਾਈਡ – Simplified Punjabi (PDF)

Learn what to do if you see someone experiencing an overdose.