If someone may be overdosing
Trouble breathing or being unable to wake someone needs emergency help. CDC describes overdose signs and naloxone. Use available naloxone for a suspected opioid overdose according to its instructions and get emergency assistance. Do not wait for the person to sleep it off or for a familiar support person to answer.
Tell the dispatcher where you are and what you can see. Say what was taken if you know; uncertainty should not delay the call. Follow the dispatcher's instructions. Outside the United States, use the local emergency number.
If you need someone to talk with now
You can contact 988 about yourself or someone else. Try: “I'm afraid I might hurt myself,” or “My friend told me they have a suicide plan.” 988's guidance for supporters advises getting help instead of keeping a suicide plan secret.
An unanswered post or message can leave you waiting alone. Contact a staffed service directly. If you cannot use a phone, ask someone nearby to help you connect.
If something has changed in your care
For an urgent care or medication concern without immediate danger, use your treatment service's urgent or after-hours contact. Describe the problem: “I cannot get my existing medicine,” or “My symptoms have changed.” Ask when a qualified person will respond and what to do while waiting. Escalating danger needs emergency help.
If you need company while you ask
A friend or peer can sit with you or help make the call. Tell them what would help: “Please stay while I explain this.” They do not have to decide a medication change or solve the crisis to be useful. You can ask them to stay through the handover to someone equipped to help.
About this guide
AI-generated editorial image; it does not depict a real person or event discussed in this guide.
Examples in this guide are illustrative, not reported experiences.
SoberSphere provides independent general information, not individual medical, legal or financial advice. No provider referral, affiliate arrangement or specialist review is claimed.