Understanding Overdose
What is an overdose?
when someone takes more of a substance than their body can handle, leading to life-threatening symptoms
Explanation: Overdosing occurs when a drug overwhelms the body, potentially stopping breathing or causing heart failure.
What is a common tool used to reverse opioid overdoses?
Naloxone (Narcan)
Explanation: Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
What does Naloxone (Narcan) do during an opioid overdose?
it temporarily reverses the effects of opioids, allowing the person to start breathing again
Explanation: Naloxone blocks the opioid receptors, bringing someone back from overdose.
If someone has overdosed on opioids, giving them a stimulant like meth will help wake them up.
False
Explanation: Giving someone stimulants during an overdose is dangerous and can worsen the situation.
What should you avoid mixing with opioids to lower the risk of overdose?
alcohol or other depressants like benzodiazepines
Explanation: Mixing opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepines increases the risk of slowing or stopping breathing.
What class of drugs are most commonly involved in opioid overdoses?
prescription painkillers and fentanyl
Explanation: Opioids, including pain medications and heroin, are the leading causes of overdose deaths.
True or False: Needle exchange programs are illegal everywhere in the U.S.
False
Explanation: Many states and cities support needle exchange programs, providing clean needles to reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.
You need to be a healthcare professional to give Naloxone.
False
Explanation: Anyone can learn to administer Naloxone, and many states have laws allowing anyone to carry and use it.
If you can’t wake someone up by shaking them, they may be overdosing.
True
Explanation: One sign of overdose is that the person is unresponsive to touch or sound.
What is one way to reduce overdose risk if you're using drugs after a period of not using?
start with a small amount (use less than usual)
Explanation: After taking a break, tolerance to drugs is lower, so using less can help reduce overdose risk.
Only people who use drugs daily are at risk of overdose.
False
Explanation: Even occasional drug users can overdose, especially if they use a high dose or mix substances.
What harm reduction strategy can reduce the risk of infection for people who inject drugs?
using sterile needles and not sharing equipment
Explanation: Always using clean, unused needles lowers the risk of infections like HIV and Hepatitis C
How long does Naloxone take to work after being administered?
1 to 3 minutes
Explanation: Naloxone works quickly to reverse opioid overdose symptoms, usually within a few minutes.
You should give someone experiencing an overdose a cold shower to wake them up.
False
Explanation: Cold showers don’t help during an overdose and can waste valuable time. Instead, call 911 and administer Naloxone if available.
You should avoid using drugs alone if possible to lower the risk of fatal overdose.
True
Explanation: Having someone nearby can save your life if you overdose, as they can call for help or administer Naloxone.
What is a key sign that someone is overdosing on opioids?
slow or stopped breathing
Explanation: During an opioid overdose, breathing becomes dangerously slow or may stop completely.
How can fentanyl test strips help prevent overdose?
they allow people to test drugs for fentanyl, helping avoid unintentional overdoses
Explanation: Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, which can be deadly even in small amounts.
True or False: You should still call 911 after giving Naloxone during an overdose.
True
Explanation: Even though Naloxone can reverse an overdose, medical attention is still required, as the effects of Naloxone can wear off.
You can’t overdose on prescription opioids if you take them as prescribed.
False
Explanation: Even when taken as prescribed, opioids can cause overdose, especially if mixed with other substances like alcohol.
What is a safer way to use drugs if you cannot stop completely?
try to use in a supervised consumption site or with someone who knows how to use Naloxone
Explanation: These options reduce the risk of fatal overdose by having help immediately available.
What are two factors that increase the risk of overdose?
mixing drugs and using drugs after a period of not using (lower tolerance)
Explanation: Using drugs in combination or after a break increases the risk of overdose because tolerance may be lower.
What is one benefit of supervised consumption sites (safe injection sites)?
they provide a safe space for drug use where medical help is available in case of overdose
Explanation: These sites help reduce overdose deaths by having trained staff who can intervene if an overdose occurs.
How long does Naloxone typically last after it is administered?
30 to 90 minutes
Explanation: Naloxone is temporary, and the person can go back into overdose after it wears off, making it crucial to get medical help.
People who have overdosed before are more likely to overdose again.
True
Explanation: Previous overdoses increase the risk of another overdose, making harm reduction strategies even more important.
What is one harm reduction method to avoid infection if you inject drugs?
use clean, sterile needles and don’t share any injection equipment
Explanation: Using new needles every time and not sharing reduces the risk of infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.