How to tell if someone is overdosing on fentanyl and other opioids

Family members, friends, neighbors.

Every five minutes, someone in the United States dies from a drug overdose. Opioids, specifically fentanyl, are involved in most of those deaths.

How do you tell if someone is overdosing on opioids? Here are the signs.

■ Loss of consciousness

■ Slow, shallow or no breathing

■ Loud snoring or gurgling

■ Pinpoint pupils

■ Inability to speak

■ Limp body

■ Pale complextion

■ Lips or fingernails are turning purple

What do you do if someone is overdosing?

Even if you aren't sure what's causing the overdose, always use Narcan. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin, is cut into street drugs, including non-opioids such as cocaine and counterfeit Xanax. Giving Narcan to someone who is overdosing on something other than an opioid will not harm them.

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