According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult. When in doubt, treat the situation like an emergency. Call 911 or seek medical care immediately, and do not leave the person alone. Signs of overdose may include:5
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
Still, symptoms may be silent. Without immediate help, death or permanent brain damage can occur in minutes.^