Opioid Overdose Response
signs of an opioid overdose
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
(CDC: Signs of Opioid Misuse, Opioid Use Disorder, and Overdose)
If the person does not respond, CALL 911, and then follow 911 instructions. It never hurts to say, “I have a naloxone” if you are not sure if the person is experiencing overdose or not. Naloxone is a tool and saves lives in opioid overdose rather than fear of unknown.
What If you think someone is overdosing
What NOT to do
- Do NOT leave the person alone.
- Do NOT give the person anything to eat or drink or try to induce vomiting.
What to do
- If the person does not respond, CALL 911, and then follow 911 instructions.
Carry Naloxone. Save a Life.
Spartan Experience: 5-minute Opioid Overdose Response Training (Link to the training & Spartan Connect pages)
*Learn how to use Narcan Nasal Spray and you can get credit for your Co-Curricular Transcript!
Naloxone
Used for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose (Signs of Overdose).
Naloxone, brand name Narcan, saves lives because it can quickly restore normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of overdosing on prescription opioid medications, heroin, or drugs that are adulterated and contaminated with an opioid like fentanyl (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
Naloxone can be given safely to people of all ages, from infants to elderly adults. This includes a child who may have accidentally taken an opioid pain reliever or medicine to treat opioid use disorder. (5 Things to Know About Naloxone | Overdose Prevention | CDC)
Naloxone is available free of charge for students (LINK to NARCAN ACCESS MAP).
Individuals who are concerned about the risk of an opioid overdose, including people who use prescription or illicit opioids, their family members, friends, caregivers, or concerned members of the public should consider having naloxone on hand. This allows individuals to have naloxone available to administer if they witness someone experiencing an overdose.
Administering naloxone to someone who is NOT experiencing an opioid overdose is safe and generally should not cause harmful health effects. Therefore, if someone is unsure whether an individual is experiencing an opioid overdose or not, it is still recommended to administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. This is because the potential benefits of administering naloxone and potentially saving a life outweigh the risks of not administering it. Learn more at Non-prescription (“Over-the-Counter”) Naloxone Frequently Asked Questions | SAMHSA
If you or someone who is struggling with alcohol and/or substances, please refer them to the Counseling & Psychological Services at 336.334.5874 (24/7) or email SRP@uncg.edu for support or consultation.
Narcan Access Map: the use of naloxone has proven to be a lifesaving medication to prevent death from opioid overdose.
On- & Off-cAMPUS RESOURCES
Where can you find naloxone? There are a variety of resources available for individuals looking for naloxone.
Know about North Carolina’s Good Samaritan Laws
Provides a defense to prosecution for an individual who calls for help for him/herself and/or someone else at risk of overdose. Encourages people to provide aid in emergency situations without fear of legal repercussions.
FACT: Under North Carolina law, you can call 911 for help during a drug overdose.
FACT: The victim and the caller are protected from prosecution for the following;
- Possession of small amounts of most drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Underage possession or consumption of alcohol
- Violating conditions of parole, post-release, or probation
FACT: The caller must provide their name to law enforcement or EMS to qualify for the legal protections
FACT: As of January 2016, 52 law enforcement departments in North Carolina carry naloxone to save the lives of overdose victims.
(Resource: North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition www.nchrc.org)
- Good Samaritan Laws: State-By-State Analysis (SAFE Project)
- State: North Carolina Protected; 2015
LEARN MORE
Watch to learn more about: Understanding Overdose: SAFE PROJECT
5-minute Opioid Overdose Response Training: You will learn how to use Narcan Nasal Spray and you can get credit for your Co-Curricular Transcript! (add link to Spartan Connect and the training here)
Step 1: NOTICE (opioid overdose symptoms)
Step 2: RESPOND (call 911)
Step 3: GIVE Naloxone
Statistics regarding Opioid Overdoses
U.S overdose deaths in 2021 is 107, 622 (in 2016: 63,600)
North Carolina Overdose Trends: May 2026 Update
Key Indicators Continue to Show Declines Across North Carolina
Suspected Overdose Deaths in May 2026 ⬇️ Down from 261 deaths in May 2025; 📉 23% decrease in suspected overdose deaths from January–May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Fentanyl-Positive Deaths in April 2026 ⬇️ Down from 176 deaths in April 2025; 📉 33% decrease in fentanyl-positive deaths from January–April 2026 compared to the same period in 2025
Opioid Overdose Emergency Department Visits – 336 ED Visits in May 2026 ⬇️ Down from 545 ED visits in May 2025; 📉 30% decrease in opioid overdose-related emergency department visits from January–May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Resource (SAFE Project – Have A Safety Plan)
counseling & psychological services
ADDRESS
2nd Floor, Gove Student Health Services
107 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
PHONE
336.334.5874
quick links
social media
@uncg_counselingservices