Skip to main content

This alert has expired. Please change the scheduled time and publish to show again or delete.

City of Phoenix official website

Make a Payment
Report an Issue
Public Records
City Careers
Menu
Menu

Recognizing Opioid Overdose Symptoms

How can we tell if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose? One of the main symptoms is that they will be unresponsive. If you try to wake or rouse them, they will not react or wake up. This is because they can go unconscious due to a lack of oxygen since breathing slows, and eventually stops, during an opioid overdose. Other symptoms include:

  • pinpoint (very small) pupils
  • a blueish tint to lips and nails
  • gasping, choking, or gurgling sounds
  • cold, clammy skin
  • shallow or absent breathing
This poster shows the signs of an opioid overdose. They are: pinpoint pupils, lack of responsiveness, cold and clammy skin, choking or gurgling sounds, bluish tint to lips and nails. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose due to opioids, always call 911 and administer naloxone if you have it available.
This poster shows the signs on an opioid overdose. They are: pinpoint pupils, lack of responsiveness, cold and clammy skin, choking or gurgling sounds, bluish tint to lips and nails. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose due to opioids, always call 911 and administer naloxone if you have it available.
city of phoenix narcan kits

What should you do if you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose?

If you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, always call 911 right away. If you have it on hand, administer naloxone (commonly known by the brand Narcan). If you would like to learn where to get free naloxone from the City of Phoenix or more about how to use it, check out the Naloxone Opioid Overdose Reversal Kits page.

city of phoenix narcan kits
Health PHX Logo