“Opioid overdoses are one of the leading preventable causes of death in the nation,” says Alexis LaPietra, DO, FACEP, Medical Director of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) and Director of Addiction Medicine for Emergency Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “With naloxone—a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication—becoming widely available to the public, we’re now seeing a decline in opioid overdose deaths for the first time in years.” Naloxone is safe, easy to use, available to New Jersey residents without a prescription and free at participating pharmacies.
“Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere and to anyone,” Dr. LaPietra adds, “I recommend everyone be prepared and carry naloxone, whether for yourself, a loved one or a community member.” Additionally, she shares critical steps an individual can take to respond to an opioid overdose.
Opioid Overdose Action Plan
Check to see if the person is breathing and responsive.
One of the most common symptoms of an opioid overdose is respiratory distress, or difficulty breathing. Signs of respiratory distress include slow, shallow breathing or not breathing at all. Other signs of an opioid overdose can include:
- Gasping for air when sleeping or unusual snoring
- Pale, bluish or ashen gray skin
- Slow heartbeat, low blood pressure
- Inability to wake up or respond – you can try rubbing your knuckles into the person’s sternum to try and wake them
If a person exhibits any of these signs, they need emergency care immediately.
Call 911.
Always call 911 if someone is unresponsive, no matter the reason. Tell the 911 operator that “someone is unresponsive and not breathing.” Give your specific address and location, for example the street address and where you are in the building. Remain with the individual until emergency services arrive.
Administer naloxone.
Naloxone is a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication. When administered during an opioid overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing. Naloxone has no potential for abuse. If it is given to a person who is not experiencing an overdose, side effects are rare.
Naloxone Nasal Spray Instructions:
- Peel back the package to remove the device.
- Place the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the individual’s nose.
- Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the individual’s nose.
- If there is no response after 3 minutes, give the second dose in the other nostril.
New Jersey residents 14 years or older can get naloxone for free from a participating pharmacy through the state’s Naloxone365 program.
Please note: If naloxone is administered to a person who is experiencing an opioid overdose, it can produce withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone does not reverse overdoses that are caused by non-opioid drugs.
Evaluate and provide support.
Stay with the individual until emergency services arrive. If the person begins breathing, you can turn them on their side, so they do not choke on their vomit. If you administered naloxone, the individual may exhibit symptoms of withdrawal; remain calm and provide support.
Dr. LaPietra adds, “Remember, naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes. Opioids last longer in the body than naloxone, so re-overdose is possible. To ensure the person is safe from additional overdoses, make sure they get to an emergency room to receive medical care and recovery support services.”
Download our How to Respond to an Overdose action plan for more information.
If you are using substances and would like support, contact IFPR’s Peer Recovery Program at 848-303-0008 to speak with a certified recovery specialist. Recovery specialists can help you build healthier coping skills, reduce your use of substances and cultivate a supportive community. You can also visit rwjbh.org/preventionandrecovery to learn more about the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery.