Urgent support
Help is available right now
You don’t have to go through this alone.
If someone is unresponsive or overdosing
Call 911 if someone is unresponsive, not breathing, having a seizure, or you think this is an overdose. Every US state has a Good Samaritan law that protects people who call for help during an overdose.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988. Free, confidential, and answered 24/7 — for suicidal thoughts, substance use, or any kind of emotional crisis. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained volunteer counselor. Free, 24/7, and quieter than a phone call if you cannot talk out loud right now.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information for substance use and mental health. They can find licensed programs near you and talk through what your insurance covers.
If you think this is an overdose
Call 911 first. Then work down this list. You do not need training and you do not need to be sure — acting on a maybe is the right call.
Signs to look for
- Not waking up, or you cannot rouse them
- Breathing that is slow, shallow, gurgling, or stopped
- Lips, fingertips, or face turning blue, grey, or ashen
- Skin that is cold and clammy
- Pinpoint pupils
- Choking or a snoring-like gurgle
What to do
- 1. Call 911 now
Say the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. You do not have to say what they took. Every US state has a Good Samaritan law that protects people who call for help during an overdose. - 2. Give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it
One spray into one nostril. If nothing changes in 2–3 minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril. Naloxone cannot hurt someone who has not taken opioids, so give it if you are unsure. It is sold over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription. - 3. Keep them breathing
If they are not breathing, start rescue breaths: tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give one breath every 5 seconds. The 911 dispatcher will talk you through it — stay on the line. - 4. Roll them on their side
Once they are breathing, put them in the recovery position — on their side, top knee bent forward — so they do not choke if they vomit. Stay with them until help arrives. Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes and the overdose can come back.
Naloxone is available over the counter at most US pharmacies, and free from many local health departments and harm reduction programs. If you or someone you love uses opioids, it is worth having a box in the house before you need it.
What to expect when you call
Someone will answer. You don’t have to give your name. The person on the other end is trained to listen — not to judge. You can hang up anytime. No one will come to your door unless you ask them to.
Other resources
