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Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Overdose

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: January 5, 2023

The opioid epidemic remains one of the most serious public health crises in American history. Opioid overdoses have contributed to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of individuals, including well-known public figures and celebrities such as Prince and Heath Ledger. In 2018 alone, nearly 47,000 overdose deaths involved opioids. Although treatment and emergency interventions can help reverse an opioid overdose, preventing opioid misuse and dependency from developing is the most effective way to reduce the risk altogether.

Whether the issue involves occasional pill misuse or a severe opioid addiction, the warning signs of an opioid overdose are generally the same.

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

If someone you know is using opioids, it is important to understand and recognize the various signs of opioid overdose. Identifying these warning signs quickly can make a critical difference in an emergency situation.

Before exploring the symptoms of an opioid overdose, it is helpful to understand some of the key risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an overdose occurring. Certain behaviors, health conditions, and demographic factors may place an individual at greater risk. A person may be more vulnerable to opioid overdose if they are:

These are just some of the factors that can elevate a person’s risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. Understanding these risks is an important step in prevention. Next, let’s examine some of the most common symptoms and warning signs that individuals experiencing an opioid overdose may display.

Opioid Overdose Symptoms

One of the most common and recognizable signs of an opioid overdose involves the respiratory system. Because opioids can suppress breathing, an overdose often causes breathing to become dangerously slow, shallow, or to stop altogether.

When breathing is severely impaired, the body may not receive enough oxygen, which can quickly lead to serious complications such as brain injury, organ damage, or death if immediate medical attention is not provided.

In addition to slowed or stopped breathing, other common signs of an opioid overdose include:

  • Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up
  • Choking or vomiting
  • Gurgling, snoring, or other unusual breathing sounds
  • A limp or unresponsive body
  • Cold, clammy, or pale skin

These symptoms—particularly those affecting breathing—should always be treated as a medical emergency. Without prompt intervention, an opioid overdose can become life-threatening and may result in fatal consequences. Fortunately, effective treatments are available that can help reverse an opioid overdose and provide a pathway to recovery for individuals struggling with opioid misuse or addiction.

Opioid Overdose Treatments

If you suspect that someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, the most important step is to call emergency services immediately. Acting quickly can significantly improve the person’s chances of survival. While help is on the way, the emergency dispatcher may provide instructions on how to assist the individual until first responders arrive.

In many cases, these instructions may include trying to keep the person awake and breathing, monitoring their condition closely, and placing them on their side in the recovery position to help prevent choking if vomiting occurs. Remaining with the individual and following the dispatcher’s guidance can be critical during this time.

When emergency medical personnel arrive, they will often administer a medication specifically designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This life-saving treatment can rapidly restore normal breathing and provide a crucial opportunity for further medical care and recovery.

When responding to an opioid overdose, emergency medical professionals are often trained to administer a medication called Naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is specifically designed to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing in many cases.

As an opioid antagonist, naloxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body. By attaching to these receptors, it can block and reverse the effects of opioids, including prescription pain medications and heroin, that may be causing the overdose.

After naloxone is administered, individuals experiencing slowed or stopped breathing due to an opioid overdose often begin to regain normal respiratory function within minutes. However, because the effects of some opioids can last longer than naloxone, immediate medical evaluation and continued monitoring are still essential.

Naloxone can be administered in several ways, most commonly through an injection or a nasal spray. Its widespread availability has made it a critical tool in reducing opioid overdose deaths and improving emergency response outcomes.

While Naloxone can be highly effective in reversing an opioid overdose, it is only the first step in the recovery process. After an overdose has been reversed, the individual should continue to receive medical attention and monitoring to ensure their breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs remain stable.

Close observation is important because some opioids can remain in the body longer than naloxone, creating the risk that overdose symptoms could return after the medication wears off. Healthcare professionals can monitor for complications and provide additional treatment if necessary.

Following an opioid overdose reversal, many individuals may experience confusion, disorientation, agitation, or, in some cases, combative behavior. These reactions can occur as the effects of opioids are suddenly reversed, making ongoing medical supervision especially important during the immediate recovery period.

Once the individual has stabilized, the focus should shift toward long-term recovery. Many people benefit from professional addiction treatment, including inpatient drug rehabilitation programs, which provide structured care, counseling, medical support, and relapse-prevention strategies. Addressing the underlying opioid misuse or addiction is often a critical step in reducing the risk of future overdoses and supporting lasting recovery.

Opioid Overdose Prevention

Opioid overdoses are most effectively prevented by avoiding opioid misuse in the first place. These overdoses can result from both prescription opioids and heroin use. If someone you know is struggling with either of these substances, seeking professional help for their opioid abuse or addiction is essential. Fortunately, there are numerous addiction treatment facilities throughout the country that offer the support, care, and resources needed to begin the recovery process.

However, with so many treatment options available, choosing the right rehab center can feel overwhelming.

Finding the Best Opioid Rehab

While the term “best” can mean different things to different people, the goal is to find a high-quality treatment facility that offers a comprehensive range of services designed to help individuals achieve sobriety and begin long-term recovery.

We’ve created a detailed guide explaining what makes a rehab facility the “best inpatient drug rehab center.” In general, though, there are several key factors you should consider when evaluating your options:

The Joint Commission is a nationally recognized organization that evaluates healthcare providers to ensure they meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, and patient care. Earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval demonstrates that an addiction treatment center has undergone a thorough review process and consistently meets high standards of clinical practice.

This accreditation serves as a strong indicator that the facility is committed to providing quality addiction treatment services, prioritizing patient safety, and delivering evidence-based care.

Along with choosing a facility that meets industry standards established by The Joint Commission, it is equally important to ensure that the treatment team is highly qualified and brings a diverse range of expertise to the recovery process.

Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every individual has unique experiences, challenges, and recovery needs, which means treatment plans should be personalized accordingly. One person may benefit from working with a behavioral therapist and receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), while another may respond better to experiential therapies combined with nutritional counseling and wellness support.

For this reason, it is important to look for an addiction treatment center that offers a wide range of evidence-based and holistic treatment options. A facility with diverse services and multidisciplinary professionals can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses each client’s specific needs, helping to support long-term sobriety and lasting recovery.

While having a professionally diverse treatment team is essential, it is equally important to ensure that the therapies and programs being offered are evidence-based. Effective addiction treatment should be supported by clinical research and proven outcomes rather than trends or untested approaches.

Many addiction treatment centers offer widely accepted evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Other treatment methods, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), may sometimes be misunderstood or viewed as controversial. A common misconception is that MAT simply replaces one substance with another. However, extensive clinical research has shown that MAT can be a highly effective treatment option for individuals recovering from opioid addiction and can significantly improve long-term sobriety outcomes.

At Arizona IOP, we have developed a dedicated Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program specifically for clients struggling with opioid addiction. Participation in the program is completely voluntary and is not a requirement for treatment. Instead, MAT is offered as an additional evidence-based recovery option for clients who, in consultation with their treatment team, believe it may support their long-term recovery goals.

These are just a few of the things to consider when searching for a quality addiction treatment center. Finding the right facility can make a significant difference in the recovery journey and long-term success.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Since the beginning of the opioid epidemic in the late 1990s through 2018, approximately 450,000 Americans have lost their lives to opioid-related overdoses involving both prescription medications and illicit drugs. Unfortunately, the crisis has shown little sign of slowing down. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened the situation, with reports indicating that opioid overdoses increased by nearly 30% during that period.

Clearly, significant efforts are still needed to address this ongoing public health emergency. Arizona IOP offers specialized opioid addiction treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome substance abuse and support broader efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

Arizona IOP is a luxury addiction treatment center committed to helping clients break free from addiction, achieve lasting sobriety, and build a foundation for long-term healing. If you would like to learn more about our programs or discuss a personalized treatment plan, contact our admissions team today.

If you are exploring other opioid treatment options, try searching for terms such as “drug rehab Arizona” or the name of your city and state to find reputable addiction treatment centers in your area.

Feeling Unsure About Your Next Step? Arizona IOP Can Guide You.