Overdose Prevention Page
What To Do After an Overdose
Page role: this page will support the person who overdosed, loved ones, and bystanders after the immediate crisis. It will be practical and compassionate, with clear next steps for medical follow-up, replacing naloxone, reducing future risk, and getting support.
If emergency medical help has not evaluated the person
- Call 911.
- Stay with the person and watch their breathing.
- Tell responders what happened and whether naloxone was given.
- Do not let the person use more substances after waking up.
- Replace used naloxone as soon as possible.
Overdose symptoms can return after naloxone wears off.
Quick Answer / At A Glance
Medical care still matters
Naloxone is temporary, and some opioids or other substances may last longer.
Future risk can increase
A nonfatal overdose should lead to planning, support, and replacement naloxone.
Talk when the person is awake
Focus on safety and one possible next step instead of shame or threats.
Witnesses need support too
Family, friends, and bystanders may feel scared, angry, numb, or shaken.
Main Guidance: Immediate Steps After an Overdose
Stay and share information
Stay until emergency help arrives and tell responders what happened, what was taken if known, and whether naloxone was used.
Watch for symptoms returning
Breathing problems can come back after naloxone wears off, especially when longer-lasting opioids or multiple substances are involved.
Plan the next 24 to 48 hours
Connect medical follow-up, recovery support, peer support, trusted people, and safer-use planning.
Lowering Future Overdose Risk
Replace supplies
Get more naloxone, keep it nearby, tell others where it is, and consider carrying more than one dose.
Reduce risk
Avoid using alone, test substances when tools are available, avoid mixing sedatives, and be cautious after lower tolerance.
Get care and support
Seek medical care for breathing issues, injuries, wounds, or xylazine concerns, and ask about treatment or peer support when ready.
Hope Council Support And Related Resources
Peer support and recovery coaching
Connect to Recovery Options, treatment provider referrals, and resource navigation.
Replace naloxone and make a plan
Link to How to Use Naloxone, the Public Health Vending Machine, and training.
Support for witnesses
Connect family and friends to Supporting a Loved One and Loved Ones Group.
Related substance pages
Opioids, Fentanyl & Xylazine, and How to Help Someone Who Does Not Want Help.
FAQ Preview
What should I do after someone wakes up from naloxone?
This answer will explain why 911 and medical follow-up still matter and what to watch for next.
Can overdose symptoms come back after naloxone?
This answer will explain naloxone duration, longer-lasting opioids, and the need to stay with the person.
Can Hope Council help after a nonfatal overdose?
This answer will connect to peer support, recovery options, risk-reduction supplies, and loved-one support.
Accuracy & Review
This page will use CDC, Wisconsin DHS, SAMHSA, NIDA/NIH, Hope Council Peer Support, and Hope Council Prevention & Risk-Reduction sources.
The final site will show a current review date, and follow-up guidance will be confirmed with qualified staff.