Drug overdose advice
Find out what to look for and what to do for a drug overdose.
Call 999 straight away
Always call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you think someone has overdosed. Stay with them until help arrives. Give clear information about what drugs or alcohol they have taken, if you know.
Recognising an overdose
An overdose happens when someone takes more drugs or alcohol than their body can handle. This can make them very unwell or even put their life at risk.
Signs of a drug overdose may include:
- Slow, shallow, irregular or stopped breathing
- Not waking up or responding
- Blue or pale lips and fingertips
- Cold or clammy skin
- Snoring, choking, or gurgling sounds
- Not being able to speak
- Confusion
- Small pupils
- Vomiting or signs of vomiting
If you see these signs, act quickly. An overdose is a medical emergency.
Use naloxone
If the person has taken opioids (like heroin, methadone, morphine, or strong painkillers) and you have naloxone, use it immediately.
Naloxone is safe and can quickly restart breathing. If you're not sure what the person has taken, it's still safe to give naloxone.
While waiting for help
- Put them in the recovery position if they are breathing
- Give rescue breaths or CPR if they are not breathing, if you know how
- Keep them warm with a coat or a blanket
- Clear a path for the paramedics to enable access
- Stay with them until the ambulance arrives
Featured resources
How naloxone saves lives
Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save someone's life. Learn how it works, where to get it, and why everyone should know how to use it.
Nitazenes: What you need to know
Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids linked to a rise in accidental overdoses across the UK. Learn what they are, why they're dangerous, and how to stay safer.
Drug harm reduction advice
Learn practical ways to stay safer if you choose to use drugs - from starting low and going slow to never using alone.
What's in your drugs?
Illicit drugs often contain unexpected or dangerous substances that increase the risk of harm or overdose. Find out why knowing what's in your drugs and staying informed could save your life.