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Risk Factors and Prevention Measures for Overdose

Check out our video on Risk Factors here

Risk Factor 1: Mixing Drugs

  • Mixing opioids with any other substances can put you at risk for overdose. Mixing can overwhelm the body – there can be too many chemicals for the body to process. 
  • Mixing opioids with other depressants such as alcohol or “benzos” is especially dangerous because it multiplies the “downer” effecton the body’s functions. 
  • ANY mixing is dangerous!  Mixing an upper (like cocaine) with a downer (like heroin) INCREASES overdose risk.
  • One at a time is best, but if you are mixing, use less amounts of everything.

Risk Factor 2: Tolerance Changes

  • Not using for just a few days can greatly reduce the amount of drugs your body is used to and can handle. 
  • This might happen if you have been in jail, or if you are using again after getting out of a program.
  • TAKE IT SLOW!  Know that your body will need less after a period of not using.  Do a tester shot of a little first to see how you react.

Risk Factor 3: Using Alone

  • If you are using alone and overdose, there is no one there to respond or call for help. 
  • You are at high risk for overdose after not using for a while, which is also when you might be the most secretive or feel the most ashamed that you are using again.  Nothing is more important than your safety. Do not use alone. If you must use, let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back, and make sure they have a key or a way to get to you.  If you can, leave the door unlocked.

Risk Factor 4: Differences in Strength and Content of Street Drugs (Purity Levels)

  • Because heroin is illegal, there is no way to regulate it.
  • Dealers can mix heroin with other substances to “stretch it out,” and you might not know. 
  • If you are used to using drugs that are 25% heroin and then use the same amount but it is 75% heroin, you will be at risk for overdose.
  • Listen to the word on the street. Overdoses often come in waves/multiples. 
  • Do a tester shot and start slow.

Risk Factor 5: Your Physical Health

  • Being sick, losing weight or having decreased liver function can increase your risk of overdose.  Be careful if you have been under the weather. 
  • If you have overdosed before, you are at greater risk for an overdose in the future.

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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