Get clear, immediate guidance on teen overdose symptoms, emergency steps, when to call 911, and how naloxone may help. Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance for what is happening right now.
Tell us whether symptoms are happening now, happened recently, or you want to be prepared, and we’ll guide you through the safest next steps for a possible teen drug overdose.
A possible overdose is a medical emergency. If your teen is hard to wake, not breathing normally, has blue or gray lips, is having a seizure, collapses, or you are not sure what they took, call 911 right away. If naloxone is available and you suspect opioids may be involved, give it as directed while waiting for emergency help. Stay with your teen, place them on their side if they are breathing but unresponsive, and do not leave them alone.
Slow, stopped, or irregular breathing, gurgling sounds, faint pulse, extreme sleepiness, or not waking up are urgent warning signs.
Blue, gray, or very pale lips or fingertips, clammy skin, vomiting, seizures, or sudden collapse can happen during a teen overdose.
Confusion, agitation, pinpoint pupils, drug paraphernalia, missing pills, alcohol containers, or reports of mixing substances can help responders understand what may be happening.
Say your teen may be overdosing, share their age, symptoms, whether they are breathing, and anything you know about what they took. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Use naloxone right away if available. It can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and is safe to give even if you are not completely sure opioids are involved.
If they are breathing but unresponsive, place them on their side. If they stop breathing and you know CPR, begin rescue efforts as instructed by 911.
Start with: “My teen may be overdosing and needs emergency help now.” Give your exact location and phone number immediately.
Share symptoms, when you found your teen, any known drugs, alcohol, vaping products, pills, or fentanyl concerns, and whether naloxone has been given.
The dispatcher may coach you through breathing support, naloxone use, or positioning your teen safely until EMS arrives.
The most urgent signs include trouble breathing, not waking up, blue or gray lips, seizures, collapse, and severe confusion. If you notice these signs of overdose in teenagers, call 911 immediately.
Treat it as an emergency. Call 911, describe the symptoms, and stay with your teen. If opioids could be involved and naloxone is available, give it. Emergency responders do not need you to know the exact substance before they can help.
Naloxone is often given as a nasal spray or injection, depending on the product. Follow the package directions, give it as soon as you suspect an opioid overdose, and call 911 even if your teen seems to improve because the effects can wear off.
The dispatcher may ask about breathing, consciousness, and possible substances. They may guide you through immediate first aid steps. EMS will assess your teen, support breathing, give emergency treatment, and transport them for medical care if needed.
Answer a few questions to get clear next-step guidance based on your teen’s symptoms, timing, and whether this is happening now or you want to be prepared.
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