If a caller is a family member or close friend who is concerned about someone else’s drug use, it is
important for them to know the signs of sedative overdose. These may include the person:
• snoring deeply (this indicates difficulty in breathing, not deep sleep)
• not waking up in response to stimuli
• turning blue (especially the lips)
• not breathing.
If the above signs are present, urgent medical help is needed. A drug called naloxone (also known as
Narcan) reverses the effects of opiates such as heroin and methadone. Naloxone can be given in
hospital and is carried by some paramedics. It is even occasionally prescribed to drug users themselves.
However, no time should be wasted if this treatment is to be effective.