The opioid crisis continues to claim lives at an alarming rate—but many of these deaths are preventable with quick recognition and the right response. Whether it’s a prescription opioid like oxycodone or a powerful synthetic like fentanyl, opioid overdoses can happen fast and without warning. Knowing how to spot the signs and take action could mean the difference between life and death.
If you or someone you love is navigating opioid use, it’s essential to understand the signs of overdose—and what to do in those critical moments. And for those ready to take the next step toward healing, a trusted drug rehab in South Carolina can offer the medical care, support, and long-term solutions needed for recovery.
Opioids slow down the central nervous system, which controls breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. In an overdose, these systems slow to dangerous levels or stop altogether.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Unresponsiveness
● The person won’t wake up or respond to shouting, shaking, or pain
● They may appear to be in a deep sleep or unconscious
2. Slow or Stopped Breathing
● Breathing may be very shallow, irregular, or completely absent
● Snoring or gurgling sounds can also be a sign of blocked airways
● Lips and fingertips may turn bluish or gray due to lack of oxygen
● On lighter skin tones, skin may appear pale or clammy; on darker skin tones, lips or nail beds may turn ash-colored
4. Pinpoint Pupils
● Pupils become very small, a hallmark of opioid use and overdose
5. Limp Body or Weak Pulse
● The body may go limp and breathing or pulse may be difficult to detect.
1. Call 911 Immediately
Don’t wait to “see what happens.” Time is critical. Even if the person wakes up or appears to recover, medical professionals should still evaluate them.
2. Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if Available
Naloxone is an opioid reversal drug that can temporarily block the effects of opioids and restore breathing. It’s available over the counter in many states and should be part of every emergency toolkit if you or a loved one is at risk.
● Spray it into the nostril or inject it, depending on the form
● If there’s no response in 2–3 minutes, give another dose
3. Perform Rescue Breathing or CPR if Trained
If the person isn’t breathing, start rescue breathing. If you’re trained in CPR and the person has no pulse, begin chest compressions.
4. Stay With Them Until Help Arrives
Even if the person revives after naloxone, they may still be at risk of slipping back into overdose once the medication wears off. Never leave them alone.
Why Professional Help Is Essential After an Overdose
An overdose is a life-threatening event—but it’s also a turning point. Surviving an overdose often highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, professional treatment. Medical detox, behavioral therapy, and ongoing support can help break the cycle and reduce the risk of future overdoses.
At Southern Sky Recovery, one of the most trusted drug rehab centers in South Carolina, clients receive compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their unique journey. Their programs support not just detox and recovery—but long-term healing, relapse prevention, and hope.
Opioid overdose is terrifying, but it’s not hopeless. With quick action and ongoing support, lives can be saved—and transformed. If you’re concerned about someone’s opioid use, don’t wait for another emergency. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
