has a period of not using (e.g., when in custody).
Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol. Your risk of overdose goes up if you mix opioids with alcohol, sleeping pills or anxiety pills, other opioids, or many prescription medications.
Don’t use opioids alone or in an unfamiliar setting.
If you’re using opioids after a period of cutting down or not using, be sure to start low and go slow. After even a few days without using, a dose that might once have been fine could kill you.
If you switch to a stronger opioid, use less and do a test dose.
Remember that the risk of overdose goes up when you increase or change the opioid dose or use a new supply.
the person is “on the nod” (falling asleep).
Call 911 right away and ask for an ambulance.
Shake the person and shout their name.
Give the person Narcan (naloxone) if available.
Provide rescue breathing if person is showing signs of respiratory distress.
Turn them on their side to prevent choking.
Contact the Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program for information and resources on opioid overdose prevention and response: www.ohrdp.ca/opioid-overdose-prevention or 1 866 316-2217.
For more information on preventing, recognizing and responding to an overdose, see the U.S. Harm Reduction Coalition’s Opioid Overdose Basics page.
In the longer term, addiction treatment is strongly recommended. Contact ConnexOntario at 1 800 565-8603 or www.connexontario.ca for available addiction treatment resources in your area.
You can also visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Ontario’s Narcotic Strategy home page for a list of resources and references.