Opioid Overdose Symptoms, Effects and Treatment

Not only are opioids highly addictive substances, but opioid overdose is a genuine threat. In 2021, overdoses took 107,000 lives, and more than 75% of those deaths involved an opioid.¹ The ever-present risk of potentially lethal overdose is why it is important to know the signs of an opioid overdose and what actions to take if someone is experiencing one.

Keep reading to learn about opioid overdose symptoms, how you can help someone experiencing an overdose, and how to get help for yourself or a loved one.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drug that include substances derived from the opium poppy plant as well as others manufactured in labs to replicate the chemical structure (and pharmacological activity) of naturally occurring poppy plant alkaloids.^2,3

Opioids include prescription painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine, as well as illegal narcotics, like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF).^2,3

Doctors may prescribe opioids for their pain-relieving properties. However, these drugs can also produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which can be appealing and reinforce misuse.3 top. Regular misuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction as well as a cumulatively increased risk of overdose.³

Drug dealers often mix IMF into other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, because it is relatively cheap to manufacture and highly addictive.⁴ As an extremely potent opioid, fentanyl greatly increases the risk of overdose and can be especially dangerous for someone who is unaware that the drug is present.⁴

Opioid Overdose

An opioid overdose occurs when a person takes more of a substance than their body can handle, ultimately resulting in a disruption of the body’s normal functioning.⁵ During an opioid overdose, breathing may be significantly slowed or stopped, reducing the delivery of oxygen to the brain. If oxygen deprivation continues, it can result in coma or even death.⁵

The risk of an overdose is further increased if an opioid is mixed with central nervous system depressant substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.⁶ This is because those substances can further depress vital, life-preserving physiological functions, making the combination increasingly dangerous.^6,7

Opioid Overdose Symptoms

Knowing what the symptoms are can help save a life. Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:⁵

• Slowed breathing.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Small, “pinpoint pupils.”
• Limp body.
• Pale, blue, or cold skin.
• Choking or gurgling sounds.

An overdose is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention. If you suspect someone has overdoses, you should:⁵

1. Call 911 right away.
2. Administer Narcan or other form of naloxone if it is available.
3. Stay with the person until paramedics arrive.
4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
5. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.

Naloxone (Narcan) for Overdose

Naloxone (Narcan, Kloxxado, Rivive) is a medication that can reverse an overdose of both illegal and prescription opioids.⁸ It does this by blocking the effects of opioids and  can restore breathing within a few minutes.⁸ Naloxone is available in an easy to use nasal spray, and anyone can carry it. Medical training is not required to administer it.⁸ 

Naloxone does not harm someone if they are overdosing on something besides opioids.⁸ Thus, it is best to use it if someone looks like they are overdosing because it could save their life.⁸  

Naloxone is available in all 50 states.⁸ In Florida, it is available over the counter in drug stores like Walgreens and Publix Pharmacy.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Near Tampa, FL

If you or a loved one is dealing with opioid addiction, it is never too late to seek help. River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, FL, provides an inpatient addiction treatment near Tampa. River Oaks also offers many other services such as medical detox, other types of addiction treatment, and a variety of therapies such as one-on-one, family, and group therapy and 12-Step recovery programs.

Please call us at to speak with our rehab admissions navigators who are available to answer questions and help you start the treatment you need to live the life you deserve. Recovery is possible so don’t wait. Reach out today.