If you think your child or teen may have taken too much of a drug, medication, alcohol, or another substance, knowing what to do in the first minutes matters. Get clear, parent-focused overdose response steps and guidance for what to do right now, what signs to watch for, and when to call 911 or Poison Control.
Tell us what is happening right now so we can guide you through the next safest steps for a suspected overdose in a child or teen.
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, seizures, collapse, or if your child will not wake up. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate expert guidance in the U.S. If opioids may be involved, give naloxone if you have it. Stay with your child, keep them on their side if they are sleepy or vomiting, and do not make them vomit unless a medical professional tells you to. If possible, gather the bottle, packaging, or substance name so responders know what may have been taken.
Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms or if you are unsure how serious it is. Call Poison Control for immediate overdose first aid advice, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
If your child is breathing but hard to wake, place them on their side. If they stop breathing and you know CPR, begin rescue efforts while waiting for emergency help.
Tell responders the child’s age, weight, symptoms, when the substance may have been taken, and any medications, alcohol, vaping products, or drugs involved.
Slow breathing, noisy breathing, gasping, or not breathing normally can be signs of a medical emergency.
Confusion, extreme sleepiness, passing out, not responding, or sudden agitation can happen with many types of overdose.
Vomiting, seizures, chest pain, blue lips, pinpoint or very large pupils, or unusual sweating are all reasons to get urgent help.
Some overdoses become dangerous quickly, even if the child seems okay at first.
Making a child vomit can cause choking or more injury unless Poison Control or emergency professionals specifically instruct it.
A child with a suspected overdose needs close watching because breathing, alertness, and heart rate can change fast.
Call 911 if your child has severe symptoms like trouble breathing, seizure, collapse, or cannot be awakened. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance. If you can, collect any pill bottles, vape devices, gummies, powders, or drink containers nearby.
Stay with your child, keep them on their side if they are sleepy or vomiting, and watch their breathing closely. Give naloxone if opioids may be involved and you have it available. Start CPR if they are not breathing and you are trained to do so.
Call 911 for emergency symptoms or if your child is hard to wake, having trouble breathing, seizing, or collapsing. Call Poison Control for immediate expert advice about what was taken, what symptoms to watch for, and what first aid steps are safe.
Mixed substances can increase overdose risk and make symptoms less predictable. Treat it seriously, especially if there is vomiting, confusion, slowed breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. Emergency evaluation is often needed.
Answer a few questions to get clear next steps based on your child’s symptoms, timing, and possible substance exposure. Designed to help parents respond quickly and confidently.
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Overdose And Poisoning
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Overdose And Poisoning
Overdose And Poisoning