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Overdose information and
how to help someone!
The misuse of prescription medication and opioid-based drugs (heroin) has increased significantly over the years to become a public health concern in Connecticut. This misuse or abuse includes taking these medications in higher doses than prescribed, for a purpose other than that for which it was prescribed, or taking a medication that was prescribed for another person or obtained off the streets. Opioid overdose is often characterized by a decrease in breathing rate which if not quickly addressed leads to death.
Common Risk Factors for Opioid Overdose
•Mixing opioids with other drugs, particularly alcohol or sedatives
•Resumption of use after a period of absence from opioid use, such as recent release from a rehabilitation center or from incarceration.
•Elderly persons may forget that they already took their medication and accidentally re-take it.
•Younger age, specifically the teens or early 20's, exposed to peer pressure or a social environment where there is drug use.
Signs of An Opioid Overdose
•Face is extremely pale and/or clammy to the touch
•Body is limp
•Fingernails or lips have a blue or purple cast
•Vomiting or making gurgling noises
•Cannot be awakened from sleep or is unable to speak
•Breathing is very slow or stopped
•Heartbeat is very slow or stopped
What should you do if you see an overdose
•Call 911 immediately
•Support the person's breathing
•Administer naloxone (NARCAN) if you have it. **See opposite flyer for training opportunity
•Lay the person on their side once they have resumed breathing
•Stay with the overdosed person until the ambulance arrives
Resources to help someone who is addicted
There is help! Please click on the brochure for a link to resources in our area to help someone.
24/7 Access Line 1-800-563-4086