Education · Awareness · Prevention
Know the risks. Carry naloxone. Save a life.
Opioids, including prescription medications, heroin, and illegally made fentanyl, can cause a life-threatening overdose. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can make all the difference.
Understanding opioids
Opioids affect the brain and nervous system. They can reduce pain, but they can also slow breathing and lead to dependence, opioid use disorder, overdose, and death.
Prescription Opioids
Medicines such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine may be prescribed for pain. Use them only as directed and store them securely.
Fentanyl & Counterfeit Pills
Illegally made fentanyl may be present in counterfeit pills and other drugs without the person knowing. Pills not obtained from a licensed pharmacy cannot be assumed safe.
Naloxone
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing when given in time.
Learn about naloxone →Recognize an opioid overdose
If you are unsure whether someone is experiencing an overdose, treat it like an overdose. Acting quickly could save their life.
- They cannot be awakened or do not respond.
- Breathing is slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped.
- You hear choking, gurgling, or unusual snoring sounds.
- Lips, fingertips, or skin appear blue, gray, or discolored.
- Pupils are very small or “pinpoint.”
How to respond to an overdose
Follow these steps even if you do not know which substance was taken.
Call 911
Say the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Give Naloxone
Give one dose if available. If normal breathing does not return in 2–3 minutes, give another dose.
Support Breathing
Try to keep the person breathing. Give rescue breaths or CPR if trained or directed by 911.
Stay With Them
Place the person on their side to help prevent choking and stay until emergency help arrives.
Naloxone will not harm someone if opioids are not involved. If you suspect an overdose, it is safest to give it and call 911.
Know what may be in the drug supply
Unregulated pills and powders can contain unexpected substances or uneven concentrations. Appearance alone cannot confirm what a substance contains.
Illegally Made Fentanyl
A powerful synthetic opioid that may be mixed into heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and other substances.
Carfentanil & Nitazenes
Extremely potent synthetic opioids that may appear in the unregulated drug supply and substantially increase overdose risk.
Xylazine & Medetomidine
Non-opioid veterinary sedatives that may be mixed with opioids. Naloxone does not reverse these drugs, but should still be given because opioids may also be present.
Counterfeit Pills
Pills made to resemble medications such as oxycodone, alprazolam, or stimulants may contain fentanyl or other unexpected substances.
Anyone can carry naloxone.
You do not need to know someone who uses opioids to be prepared. Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and available over the counter. Because it is temporary, always call 911 after giving it.
Keep naloxone somewhere easy to reach, check its expiration date, and make sure the people around you know where it is.
Naloxone Questions & AnswersReduce risk at home
Simple safety steps can reduce accidental exposure, medication misuse, and overdose.
Store Securely
Keep medications and other substances locked, out of sight, and out of reach of children, teens, visitors, and pets.
Use as Directed
Take prescription opioids only as prescribed. Never share medication, and avoid mixing opioids with alcohol or sedating drugs unless a clinician confirms it is safe.
Dispose Safely
Remove unused or expired medications through an authorized medication drop box or take-back program rather than keeping them at home.
Support and treatment are available.
Opioid use disorder is treatable. Connecticut’s LiveLOUD program can connect individuals and families with confidential support and treatment options through its 24/7 Access Line at 1-800-563-4086.
Trusted information and support
Use these resources to learn more, find help, and prepare to respond.
CDC Stop Overdose
Overdose prevention, fentanyl, naloxone, response, and stigma-reduction information.
Visit the CDC →LiveLOUD Stay Safe
Connecticut naloxone, harm-reduction, drug-supply, and safety information.
Explore LiveLOUD →Connecticut Naloxone Laws
Information about Connecticut overdose-response and naloxone protections.
Read CT information →Connecticut DMHAS
Official Connecticut information about opioid-use prevention, overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
Explore CT resources →You Think You Know: Parent Resources
Connecticut conversation guides and practical information about counterfeit pills, fentanyl, commonly misused drugs, social media, and prevention.
Explore parent resources →Tri-Town Prevention
Additional prevention, youth, caregiver, and mental-health resources.
Return to Prevention →Questions or need help finding a resource?
Contact Tri-Town Youth Services. We are here to help you identify a next step.