Suspected opioid overdose: a family safety guide

Recognize a possible overdose

CDC lists warning signs including inability to wake, slow or shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, a limp body, discolored lips or nails, and very small pupils. You do not need to see every sign, know which drug was taken or be certain before calling 911.

If you are unsure, treat the situation as a possible overdose. Tell the dispatcher what you see and your location. Put the phone on speaker if that helps you follow instructions while assisting.

Call 911 and give naloxone if available

Call 911 immediately. Give naloxone if available and follow the product instructions, including directions about additional doses. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose; it does not replace emergency care and does not reverse every kind of overdose.

Tell the dispatcher that naloxone was given and follow their directions. Do not delay calling while looking for naloxone or trying to identify the substance. CDC notes that naloxone will not harm someone if opioids are not involved.

Support breathing and stay with the person

Follow the 911 dispatcher’s directions about rescue breathing or CPR; use your training if you have it. If the person is breathing, place them on their side to help prevent choking, as CDC advises.

Stay with the person until emergency help arrives, if it is safe to do so. Do not assume that waking up means the emergency has ended. Naloxone’s effects are temporary and overdose symptoms can return.

Prepare before an emergency

Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional how to obtain and use naloxone, where to keep it and how to check its expiration date. Let household members know where it is and how to find the instructions.

Ask about local overdose-response training and consider first-aid/CPR training from a qualified organization. A written address and emergency contact plan can reduce confusion, but should never delay calling 911.

After emergency care

Let emergency clinicians assess the person. Questions about further observation, withdrawal, medication and treatment belong with qualified healthcare professionals, not a navigation website.

When the immediate emergency is over, families may seek support and help organizing provider questions. 988 offers US mental health and substance use crisis support, but a suspected overdose requires 911. We do not provide medical monitoring, emergency response or a 24/7 response service.

Free support, without pressure

The Sober Brothers offers completely free, noncommercial, noncommissioned family support for adults 18+ and their families. No fees to families, provider referral payments or placement compensation. Steven listens and coordinates introductions to independent providers; we do not deliver treatment, companion services, transport or interventions. Independent providers may charge for their own services. No availability or outcome is guaranteed. Call or text without completing the optional questionnaire; its answers are not saved or sent with calls.

Common questions

Should I call 911 if naloxone seems to work?

Yes. Emergency evaluation is still needed; symptoms can return after naloxone wears off.

Can I call The Sober Brothers during an overdose?

Call 911 instead. We are not an emergency service and cannot assess or treat an overdose.

Talk with Steven

Steven is your point of contact. You don't need to complete a questionnaire or know what to ask for. Calls do not include questionnaire answers.

Our service is completely free. We don't charge families or accept referral fees from treatment providers. No placement compensation is accepted.

Or explore the optional questionnaire · What to expect when you call

Sources and further reading

• CDC: Responding to a suspected opioid overdose

  Overdose warning signs, naloxone and immediate emergency actions.

• CDC: Naloxone information for families and caregivers

  How and when naloxone is used; emergency help remains essential (PDF).