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What is an Overdose?

An overdose (OD) happens when the body has more drugs in its system than it can handle.

Opioid overdoses happen when there are so many opioids or a mixture of opioids and other depressants (downers) in the body that the brain shuts down breathing. If someone cannot breathe or is not breathing enough, then oxygen cannot get to the brain. After a very short time, the heart stops. This leads to unconsciousness, coma, and then death.

Opioid overdoses do not happen in an instant. They often happen as a process – someone slowly stops breathing. Many times, overdoses can happen 1 to 3 hours after the drug was first used. It is rare that someone is “found dead with a needle in his arm.”

Most overdoses happen when other people are there. This means there is a chance to prevent harm or death by using rescue breathing and/or Narcan when someone overdoses.

Tips for Calling

  • Have the address and location of where you are handy.
  • Stay calm, and ask others around you to be quiet.
  • Let them know, “my friend has overdosed.”  If you don’t want to mention drugs or overdose, tell them, “my friend is not breathing.”
  • Follow the instructions of the operator and paramedics as closely as you can.
  • If you have to leave the person for any reason, put them in the recovery position.
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