What is an overdose?

Opioids are depressants, which means they make our breathing rate slow down and can prevent our heart and other essential organs from getting enough oxygen to function. This is an overdose. Overdoses shut our bodies down and can lead to coma or death.

If caught quickly, overdoses can be reversed through life saving actions like using Naloxone (narcan).
Find out more here.

Overdoses Can Happen to Anyone

There is no such thing as “fighting to overcome” or “resisting” the depressive effects of opioids, just like there is no such thing as being “too strong” to experience addiction. Each of our bodies react to substances differently, so a safe prescription for opioids may be safe for one person and deadly for another. Opioids are strong enough to get anyone hooked, and respecting their power is the first step to preventing problem use, addiction, or overdose from happening to you.

If you get a prescription for opioids, there are easy, important things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. Find out how here.