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    Overdose Prevention

    Opioid Overdose

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, opioid overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in Pennsylvania, killing more individuals than those involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents. 

    Get overdose prevention supplies
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    What are opioids?

    Opioids are a class of depressant drugs that include pain relievers available by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine; the illegal drug heroin; synthetic opioids such as fentanyl; and many others.

    Who can overdose?

    Overdose doesn't discriminate; Pennsylvanians from all walks of life are at risk. Anyone who takes prescription medications or uses drugs containing opioids are at an elevated risk of opioid overdose (OD). 

    What is an opioid overdose?

    An opioid overdose can occur when a person:

    • Overdoses on an illicit opioid drug, such as heroin or morphine.
    • Overdoses on methadone.
    • Accidentally takes an extra dose.
    • Deliberately misuses a prescription opioid or opioid-based pain medication in way that was not as prescribed.
    • Mixes opioids with other prescriptions, alcohol, or over-the-counter medications.
    • Uses medication prescribed for someone else. 

    Prevent an opioid overdose

    The following tips can you help you or a loved one avoid an opioid overdose .

    • Be sure your health care provider knows exactly what medicications you are taking and take medications only as prescribed.
    • Don’t mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs including medications and illicit substances, unless approved by your health care provider.
    • Know the factors that can impact drug tolerance. Resuming use of opioids after a period of non-use can increase the risk of overdose.
    • Don’t use alone.
    • Carry naloxone and encourage your friends and family to do so, too.
    • Lock-up or properly store medications. Children are vulnerable to accidental overdoses.
    • Dispose of unused or expired medications safely at a drug take-back location.

    Recognize an opioid overdose

    If you witness the signs of an overdose, don’t hesitate to call 911 or use naloxone.

    Symptoms of opioid overdose include:

    • Unconsciousness or inability to talk or stay awake
    • Slow or irregular breathing
    • Deep snoring or gurgling noises
    • Blue/purple/greyish lips, skin, or fingernails
    • Pale, clammy skin
    • Small "pinpoint pupils"

    Treat an opioid overdose

    An opioid overdose needs immediate medical attention. It may be hard to tell if a person is experiencing an overdose. If you aren't sure, it's best to treat it like an overdose.  

    Take these steps to save a life:

    1. 1

      Call 911

      Call 911 if you can't get a response from the person or they appear to be overdosing.

      The ‘Good Samaritan’ provision of Act 139, David’s Law, offers criminal and civil protections to those who seek and receive emergency medical services in the event of an overdose.

    2. 2

      Administer naloxone

      • If the person overdosing does not start breathing within 2 to 3 minutes, administer a second dose of naloxone. 
      • If the person stops breathing after the first dose, give a second dose of naloxone immediately.
      • All naloxone products have step-by-step instructions printed on them. Additional instructional resources are available on our Naloxone page.
    3. 3

      Perform rescue breathing

      If the person is not breathing, perform rescue breathing:

      1. Get the person on their back
      2. Tip their head back to straighten the airway
      3. Pinch their nostrils closed
      4. Put your mouth over theirs and form a seal
      5. Give 1 breath every 5 seconds
    4. 4

      Put them in the rescue position

      When the person starts to breathe regularly on their own, roll them into a rescue position. Position them:

      • On their side
      • Hand supporting their head
      • Mouth facing downward
      • Leg on the floor with knee positioned to keep their body from rolling face-down onto their stomach
    5. 5

      Stay with the person until emergency help arrives

      If you have to leave the person alone, lay them in the rescue position to prevent choking.

    Get naloxone

    Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose caused by prescription opioids and opioid street drugs.

    Free overdose prevention supplies including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips are available to individuals, groups, and organizations across Pennsylvania.

    Struggling with opioid use?

    Get Help Now 

    If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

    Treatment Atlas 

    Find and compare treatment facilities in Pennsylvania with this free and confidential resource. Treatment is available if you or your loved one is uninsured and underinsured.