Overdoses & Narcan

When someone is using opioids, even if they are prescribed, there is a risk of overdosing and possibly dying. Overdoses are more likely to occur is someone is also using other substance such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or fentanyl. Someone may be experiencing an opioid over dose if they are:

• Unconscious or not waking up
• Not responding to showing and touch
• Not breathing normally (slowly, not breathing at all, or you can hear choking or gurgling sounds)
• Lips or nails are blue
• Skin feels cold or clammy
• The pupils of eye are very small.

Narcan, or Naltrexone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effect of an overdose. We recommend that everyone carries Narcan, not just people who is using. For access to Narcan and more education on how to administer it:

• Visit the Vermont Department of Health’s Website Opioid Overdose Prevention | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)
• Call the MAT Team or Recovery Center about their Harm Reduction Packs