Know the signs of an overdose or poisoning and what to do
Learn to recognize an overdose or poisoning and how to respond
Get information on what to look for and what actions to take. It could save your life or help you save someone else’s.
The signs of an overdose or poisoning
If someone takes more substances than their body can handle, they will start to show signs and symptoms of an overdose or poisoning.
Cannabis poisoning (greening out)
Symptoms of cannabis poisoning can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Severe anxiety and/or panic attacks
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling faint and/or unconsciousness (can’t be woken up)
Alcohol poisoning
A helpful way to remember the symptoms is the acronym CUPS:
- Cold and sweaty skin
- Unconscious (can’t be woken up)
- Puking (vomiting)
- Slow or irregular breathing and heart rate
Opioid overdose
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose can include:
- Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
- Blue or grey lips or nails
- Very small pupils
- Cold and clammy skin
- Dizziness and confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
What to do in case of an overdose or poisoning
Know the law can protect you
If you have drugs on you when you ask or call for help, know that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose.
If someone is experiencing drug or alcohol poisoning, you should:
- Check in with the person by talking to them or gently shaking them
- Call for help (911 or your local emergency line)
- Make sure you stay with the person until the help arrives
An opioid overdose is always an emergency. If you see someone experiencing one:
- Call for help (911 or your local emergency line)
- Don’t wait, give naloxone right away (see how next)
- Stay with the person until the help arrives
Naloxone
- Naloxone is a fast-acting medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
- Naloxone is only effective for opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and codeine
- It is safe for all ages, cannot be used improperly and does not create dependence.
- It has no side effects, does not harm the person and it is safe to give to someone even if the person did not take an opioid.
- When you take an opioid, it affects certain receptors in your brain. Naloxone can kick opioids off the receptors in your brain and reverses or blocks the effects on your body.
- You can never be sure what substances are in illegal drugs. For example, a person may think they are using cocaine, but it could also contain fentanyl. Even if you are not sure about the drugs someone has taken, if they are experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose, administer naloxone.
How to use it
- Naloxone is offered in 2 types of take-home kits:
- A nasal spray, sprayed directly into the nose, and
- As an injectable, injected into any muscle in the body, such as the arm or thigh.
- Naloxone only works temporarily. It is active in the body for 30 to 120 minutes, but most opioids last longer than this. This is why it is important to call 911 or your local emergency line in addition to using naloxone.
- Naloxone can be used safely again if a response to the first dose is not seen within 2-3 minutes.
Where to find Naloxone
- Most pharmacies provide take-home naloxone kits and a prescription is not needed.
Find information for your province.
The signs of an overdose or poisoning
The signs of an overdose or poisoning
If someone takes more substances than their body can handle, they will start to show signs and symptoms of an overdose or poisoning.
Cannabis poisoning
Symptoms of cannabis poisoning can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Severe anxiety and/or panic attacks
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling faint and/or unconsciousness (can’t be woken up)
Alcohol poisoning
A helpful way to remember the symptoms is the acronym CUPS:
- Cold and sweaty skin
- Unconscious (can’t be woken up)
- Puking (vomiting)
- Slow or irregular breathing and heart rate
Opioid overdose
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose can include:
- Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
- Blue or grey lips or nails
- Very small pupils
- Cold and clammy skin
- Dizziness and confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
What to do in case of an overdose or poisoning
Know the law can protect you
If you have drugs on you when you ask or call for help, know that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose.
If someone is experiencing drug or alcohol poisoning, you should:
- Check in with the person by talking to them or gently shaking them
- Call for help (911 or your local emergency line)
- Make sure you stay with the person until the help arrives
An opioid overdose is always an emergency. If you see someone experiencing one:
- Call for help (911 or your local emergency line)
- Don’t wait, give naloxone right away (see how next)
- Stay with the person until the help arrives
Naloxone
- Naloxone is a fast-acting medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
- Naloxone is only effective for opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and codeine
- It is safe for all ages, cannot be used improperly and does not create dependence.
- It has no side effects, does not harm the person and it is safe to give to someone even if the person did not take an opioid.
- When you take an opioid, it affects certain receptors in your brain. Naloxone can kick opioids off the receptors in your brain and reverses or blocks the effects on your body.
- You can never be sure what substances are in illegal drugs. For example, a person may think they are using cocaine, but it could also contain fentanyl. Even if you are not sure about the drugs someone has taken, if they are experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose, administer naloxone.
How to use it
- Naloxone is offered in 2 types of take-home kits:
- A nasal spray, sprayed directly into the nose, and
- As an injectable, injected into any muscle in the body, such as the arm or thigh.
- Naloxone only works temporarily. It is active in the body for 30 to 120 minutes, but most opioids last longer than this. This is why it is important to call 911 or your local emergency line in addition to using naloxone.
- Naloxone can be used safely again if a response to the first dose is not seen within 2-3 minutes.
Where to find Naloxone
- Most pharmacies provide take-home naloxone kits and a prescription is not needed.
Find information for your province.
