This site is built to inform, not to intervene. These resources can actually intervene.
Download printable versionIf someone is overdosing right now
Recognize it
Can't be woken up. Slow, shallow breathing, or not breathing at all. Choking sounds, or a gurgling/snoring noise. Lips or fingertips turning blue, gray, or purple. If you're not sure whether someone is just very high or actually overdosing, treat it like an overdose and call 911 — it costs nothing to be wrong in that direction.
Respond
If you have naloxone (Narcan or similar), give it right away.
Naloxone buys time — it doesn't replace emergency care. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them. If there's no response in 2–3 minutes and you have a second dose, give it.
On calling 911
Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect the caller and the person who overdosed from prosecution for simple drug possession when reporting an overdose. The laws exist specifically so fear of getting in trouble doesn't stop someone from calling. Protections vary by state.
Naloxone (Narcan) — worth having before you need it
Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose. It has no effect on someone who hasn't taken opioids and won't hurt them either way — there's no real downside to having it on hand. Available over the counter, no prescription, at most pharmacies and many convenience stores — roughly $35–$50 for a two-dose box. Often free through local health departments and harm reduction organizations; search "[your city/state] free Narcan" to find one near you. It does not work on non-opioid overdoses (alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants) — still call 911 in those situations.
Poison emergencies
Talk to a real specialist about a possible overdose, a bad drug interaction, or anything someone may have taken too much of. It doesn't need to be a full-blown emergency to call.
If it's a mental health crisis
Call or text the number above, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
If you need treatment, not an emergency
Treatment referrals — text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U).
FindTreatment.gov — government-run directory of treatment facilities. Search by location, insurance, and type of care.
If you're not in crisis, just stuck
Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), Narcotics Anonymous (na.org), and SMART Recovery (smartrecovery.org) all have meeting finders. See Find Support for the full list.
Crisis resources exist to help you and can save lives. This site will help you get informed, but if you're in a crisis situation, please don't hesitate to use the resources on this page. Your health and safety, as well as that of those around you, is always the priority in an emergency situation.