The opioid crisis has impacted every corner of the United States, including right here in North Carolina. Every year, thousands of lives are lost to overdose—many of which could have been prevented with timely action and awareness.
Understanding the signs of opioid overdose is one of the most powerful tools we have in saving lives. At Asheville Detox Center, we believe education is a key part of prevention. The more people who can recognize the warning signs and respond quickly, the more lives we can help protect.
This guide will help you understand what happens during an opioid overdose, what to look for, and how to respond—because knowing the signs of opioid overdose can truly make the difference between life and death.
What Is an Opioid Overdose?
An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes too much of an opioid substance—whether intentionally or accidentally—and their body becomes unable to handle it. Opioids depress the central nervous system, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
When too much of the drug is present in the system, breathing can slow to dangerous levels or stop entirely. Without oxygen, the brain and organs quickly begin to shut down. This is why it’s crucial to recognize the signs of opioid overdose early and act fast.
Common Causes of Opioid Overdose
Before diving into the signs of opioid overdose, it’s helpful to understand what commonly leads to one. Several factors can increase the risk:
- Using a high dose or stronger opioids than usual
- Mixing opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives
- Reduced tolerance after a period of sobriety or detox
- Using alone, where no one is present to help in an emergency
- Contaminated or laced drugs, such as heroin or pills mixed with fentanyl
Fentanyl, in particular, has dramatically increased overdose deaths in recent years. It’s up to 50 times stronger than heroin and often added to street drugs without users’ knowledge—making it even more important to recognize the signs of opioid overdose immediately.
The Most Common Signs of Opioid Overdose
Knowing the signs of opioid overdose can help you take action before it’s too late. While symptoms may vary depending on the type of opioid and how much was used, there are several telltale warning signs to watch for.
1. Slow or Stopped Breathing
Opioids slow down the respiratory system. One of the most critical signs of opioid overdose is slow, irregular, or stopped breathing. The person may take very shallow breaths, or you may notice long pauses between breaths.
2. Unresponsiveness
If someone can’t wake up, doesn’t respond to their name, or doesn’t react to pain, they may be overdosing. Try shouting their name or rubbing your knuckles firmly on their chest—if there’s no response, call for help immediately.
3. Blue or Gray Skin Tone
A lack of oxygen causes the skin, lips, and fingernails to turn blue, purple, or gray. This discoloration is one of the most visible signs of opioid overdose and indicates the person isn’t getting enough oxygen.
4. Pinpoint Pupils
Another hallmark of opioid overdose is pinpoint pupils—the pupils become extremely small and don’t react to light. Combined with other symptoms, this is a strong indicator of opioid toxicity.
5. Limp or Lifeless Body
During an overdose, the body may become limp, weak, or unable to move. The person may appear as if they are sleeping, but with dangerously slow breathing and no response to stimulation.
6. Choking or Gurgling Sounds
Sometimes, during an overdose, the person may make gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds as the airway becomes blocked. This is an emergency and one of the more serious signs of opioid overdose requiring immediate attention.
7. Cold or Clammy Skin
A person experiencing an overdose may have skin that feels cold, damp, or clammy to the touch. This symptom often accompanies slowed breathing and bluish discoloration.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs
Not all overdoses happen suddenly. Sometimes, there are early warning signs that indicate someone is entering danger before a full overdose occurs.
These early signs of opioid overdose may include:
- Drowsiness or extreme fatigue
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Dizziness or loss of coordination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slowed heart rate
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to monitor the person closely and be ready to act if their condition worsens.
What to Do if You Suspect an Opioid Overdose
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose is only the first step. Acting quickly and calmly can save a life. Here’s what to do:
1. Call 911 Immediately
Tell the dispatcher you suspect an opioid overdose and provide as much information as possible—such as what substances were taken and how long ago. Do not wait to see if the person “comes around.”
2. Administer Naloxone (Narcan)
If you have access to naloxone, a life-saving opioid reversal medication, use it right away. It can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose and restore breathing within minutes. Naloxone is available without a prescription in many states, including North Carolina.
3. Perform Rescue Breathing or CPR
If the person isn’t breathing, perform rescue breaths or CPR if you’re trained. Continue until emergency medical personnel arrive or the person begins breathing on their own.
4. Stay With the Person
After administering naloxone, stay with the person and monitor their breathing. The effects of naloxone wear off in 30 to 90 minutes, and another dose may be needed if opioids remain in their system.
By recognizing and responding to the signs of opioid overdose, you can provide the critical support someone needs to survive long enough to get professional help.
The Connection Between Opioid Overdose and Addiction
An opioid overdose rarely happens in isolation—it’s often a sign of opioid addiction or long-term substance misuse. When the body becomes dependent on opioids, tolerance increases, leading to higher doses and a greater risk of overdose.
At Asheville Detox Center, we’ve seen how untreated opioid addiction can spiral into life-threatening consequences. That’s why we offer comprehensive medical detox programs designed to help individuals safely withdraw from opioids and begin the journey to recovery.
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose is crucial, but addressing the root cause—addiction itself—is what saves lives long-term.
The Role of Medical Detox in Preventing Overdose
One of the best ways to prevent an overdose is through medical detox. Trying to quit opioids cold turkey can be dangerous, and relapse is common when withdrawal symptoms become too severe.
At Asheville Detox Center, our medically supervised detox program provides a safe, supportive environment for individuals ready to stop using opioids. Our experienced medical staff manages withdrawal symptoms, monitors vital signs, and offers medications when appropriate to reduce discomfort and cravings.
By completing a professional detox, individuals reduce their risk of relapse—and by extension, reduce their risk of experiencing the signs of opioid overdose again in the future.
Support After Detox
Detox is just the beginning. After withdrawal symptoms subside, true healing continues through therapy, counseling, and ongoing recovery support.
At Asheville Detox Center, we help each client build a plan for long-term success that may include:
- Individual and group therapy to process emotions and build coping skills
- Holistic wellness practices like yoga, meditation, and nutrition support
- Aftercare planning to ensure a smooth transition to residential or outpatient treatment
- Relapse prevention education to recognize and manage triggers
Our mission is to help individuals not only recognize the signs of opioid overdose but also learn how to prevent them through recovery and self-awareness.
Helping a Loved One Who’s at Risk
If someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s essential to know the signs of opioid overdose and keep naloxone on hand. But beyond that, offering compassion and support can make a powerful difference.
Encourage them to seek help from a professional detox center like Asheville Detox Center, where they can safely begin recovery under medical supervision. Stigma and shame often keep people from reaching out—but your understanding and encouragement could save their life.
When You Know the Signs, You Can Save a Life
No one expects to witness an overdose—but it can happen anywhere, to anyone. Knowing the signs of opioid overdose means you’re prepared to act when it matters most.
At Asheville Detox Center, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention. Every person who understands how to recognize an overdose becomes part of the solution. Whether it’s through education, access to naloxone, or helping someone find treatment, we can all play a role in saving lives.
Find Help and Healing at Asheville Detox Center
If you or someone you care about has experienced an overdose or is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait to get help. Recovery starts with a single, courageous step—and it begins with safe, professional detox.
At Asheville Detox Center, we provide 24/7 medical care, compassionate staff, and evidence-based treatment to help you reclaim your health and rebuild your life.
Learn to recognize the signs of opioid overdose, and take the next step toward lasting healing.
Contact Asheville Detox Center today or call us to learn more about our opioid detox and addiction recovery programs.
