Recognizing a stimulant emergency
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 9 of 25

Cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulants can cause serious medical emergencies. Do not assume severe symptoms are only anxiety.

Call for urgent help
- Chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, or collapse.
- A seizure, severe overheating, or loss of consciousness.
- Possible stroke signs, such as sudden weakness on one side or trouble speaking.
- Severe confusion or distress that puts the person or others in danger.

While help is coming
Call 911 and describe what you see. If safe, reduce noise and crowding and help the person move away from heat. Speak calmly and give them space. Do not argue, restrain them, or give another substance to counteract the effects. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Remember mixed exposure
Naloxone does not reverse stimulant effects, but it can help if opioids are also involved. Give it if an opioid overdose is possible, especially with unresponsiveness or abnormal breathing. Emergency medical care is still needed.

If you are helping someone
Call 911 for severe symptoms. You do not need to identify the drug before asking for help.

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
Learn the emergency signs with a friend before a crisis happens.

Learn more
CDC — Stimulant guide
https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/media/pdfs/2024/03/cdc-stimulant-guide.pdf

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/recognizing-a-stimulant-emergency

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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