How to Recognize and Respond to an Alcohol or Other Drug Overdose

An overdose happens when the body is overwhelmed by too much of a substance or a combination of substances. It is possible to overdose on alcohol, other drugs and prescription medications. An overdose can result in serious health effects and death.

Signs of Alcohol or Drug Overdose

Signs of an overdose vary depending on the type of substance used and whether a person mixed substances. Signs may include:

Person is unresponsive and cannot be woken
Breathing is slow, weak or absent (normal respiration is 12-20 breaths/minute)
Skin is cool and sweaty (clammy) or hot and dry
Pale or ashen skin
Blue or purple lips or nails
Choking or snore-like gurgling sounds
Slow, erratic or undetectable pulse
Excessive vomiting
Small, ‘pinpoint’ pupils
Seizure

What to Do

It may be hard to tell whether a person is experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose—you could save a life.

Call 911 (or 414-229-9911 from on-campus)
If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer naloxone, if available*
Try to keep the person awake and breathing
Lay the person on their side to prevent choking in case of vomiting
If no response within 2-3 minutes, give another dose of naloxone
Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive

*Naloxone/NARCAN is a safe medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Don’t Let Fear of Getting in Trouble Prevent You from Getting Help

Students who actively seek assistance from police or UWM staff for someone (including self) who is overly intoxicated/impaired due to alcohol or other drugs, stay on the scene and cooperate with police and UWM staff will not face university discipline or UWM Police citations for underage alcohol and/or other drug use.
Remember to CALL, STAY and COOPERATE.