Recognizing a possible opioid overdose
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 5 of 25

If someone will not wake up or is not breathing normally, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Signs to notice
- Very slow, irregular, weak, or absent breathing.
- Unable to wake or respond to your voice.
- Unusual gurgling, choking, or snoring when the person cannot be woken.

Act even if you are unsure
You do not need to know what the person took. Give naloxone if available and an opioid overdose is possible. Follow the kit instructions and emergency dispatcher’s directions. Stay until help arrives, if it is safe to do so.

Do not mistake danger for sleep
Someone who is hard to wake needs urgent help. Do not wait for every sign, and do not assume they can sleep it off. Tell the dispatcher whether the person responds and whether they are breathing normally.

If you are helping someone
Learn these signs even if you never use opioids. You may be the person who notices an emergency.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Save 911 and learn where a naloxone kit is available.

Learn more
Health Canada — Opioid overdose
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/overdose.html

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/recognizing-a-possible-opioid-overdose

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

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