What to do after an opioid overdose
Now that the overdose has seemingly passed, you may think the overdose victim is in the clear. However, as we learned previously, overdose symptoms can return. It is very important to follow through with support for the victim, and for yourself.
Review the steps below to learn more about what to do after an opioid overdose.
If the person wakes up, encourage them to go to the emergency room for care.
If they refuse, stay with them. Be prepared to administer another dose of Narcan if the symptoms return.
Overdoses are traumatic, and addiction is powerful.
Give the person understanding, support, and empathy. The risk of a fatal overdose will still be high, even a year after surviving an overdose.
Seek outside support.
Talk with a trusted doctor, counselor, family, or friends. A professional can help you develop a safety plan to prevent another overdose from happening. You can call the 988 Crisis Lifeline to get support for the person who experienced the overdose and for yourself. Alternatively, calling 211 can link you to local resources in your community, like addiction recovery centers and support groups.
Be prepared for another overdose.
Replace the Narcan you used with new doses in case it’s needed again. Make sure that other people know where to find it and how to use it.