Recognizing Drug Overdose Symptoms: An Action Guide for Prompt Response – Orange County Register

Experiencing an overdose can have varying symptoms depending on the substances used. However, as public overdose deaths in Denver continue to rise, bystanders are now finding themselves in the role of first responders.

Here are the symptoms of drug overdoses and tips on how to respond, as provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Boulder County health officials, and the National Harm Reduction Coalition.

The symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Breathing difficulties or stopped breathing
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Blue or purple lips or fingertips
• Being unresponsive to loud noises, shaking, or painful stimuli

The symptoms of a stimulant overdose include:

• Increased body temperature
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Panic, hallucinations, or paranoia
• Aggressive behavior
• Seizures and convulsions

If you come across someone who may be overdosing, your first step should be to call 911.

If the person is experiencing a stimulant overdose, help them remain calm and lie down. Ensure that they can breathe properly and protect their head from sudden movements.

If it becomes clear that the person is experiencing an opioid overdose, try shaking them or rubbing their sternum with your knuckles to help them regain consciousness.

If you have access to naloxone, use it. Naloxone will not harm them, even if they do not have opioids in their body. If the person has a pulse but is not breathing or their breathing is weak, perform rescue breathing by plugging their nose and giving one breath into their mouth every six seconds. Administer CPR if you are trained.

Colorado’s Good Samaritan law protects individuals from criminal prosecution of low-level drug crimes, such as paraphernalia or possession of small amounts of drugs, if they report someone overdosing and remain on the scene. Additionally, those who try to save someone in good faith are protected from potential civil liability under Colorado law.

A map of pharmacies that sell naloxone is available at www.stoptheclockcolorado.org/map. No prescription is required to purchase naloxone, and some local governments, including Denver, provide it for free to their residents.