Overdose response and naloxone (Narcan) in Orange County

Signs of an opioid overdose

• Won't wake up or respond to your voice or a hard sternum rub
• Slow, shallow, or no breathing
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Very small ("pinpoint") pupils
• Pale, gray, or blue lips and fingertips
• Limp body

What to do

1. Call 911. Say the person isn't breathing or responding. Give the address.
2. Give naloxone. Lay them on their back, insert the nasal spray tip into one nostril, and press the plunger.
3. Support breathing. If you're trained, give rescue breaths. If not, follow the 911 dispatcher's instructions.
4. Wait 2–3 minutes. If there's no response, give a second dose in the other nostril. Fentanyl overdoses sometimes need more than one dose.
5. Recovery position. Once they're breathing, roll them onto their side so they don't choke.
6. Stay with them. Naloxone can wear off before the opioid does, and the overdose can come back. They still need medical care.

Fentanyl and nitazenes

• Fentanyl turns up in counterfeit pills made to look like prescriptions and in other drugs, including cocaine and meth. The California Department of Public Health notes that fentanyl overdoses may need two or more doses of naloxone.
• Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that can be stronger than fentanyl. Naloxone still works. Recent research finds that standard doses are usually enough when given promptly, but people may need repeated doses and longer monitoring because breathing can slow again. Always call 911.
• Mixed overdoses. If someone used stimulants or alcohol with opioids, naloxone still reverses the opioid part. Give it anyway.

Where to get naloxone in Orange County

• Any pharmacy, no prescription. Naloxone nasal spray is sold over the counter. California's CalRx naloxone costs $24 for a two-pack.
• Free, from community programs. Fentanyl is Forever OC keeps a current list of free naloxone sources in the county at fentanylisforeveroc.org/get-naloxone. Confirm hours and eligibility with each program before you go.
• Your treatment program. Ask any program you attend to send you home with naloxone.

Keep it where people can find it, at room temperature, and check the expiration date.

Fentanyl test strips

Since January 1, 2023, fentanyl test strips have been legal to have and give out in California (AB 1598). Strips can't tell you how much fentanyl is present, and a negative result isn't a guarantee.

Your legal protection when you call 911

California's Good Samaritan law (Health and Safety Code § 11376.5) protects the person who seeks help and the person overdosing from being charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Being under the influence

It applies when the evidence came from seeking medical help. It doesn't protect against other crimes, like selling drugs or driving under the influence.

Highest risk: after treatment, detox, or jail

Tolerance drops quickly. Someone leaving detox, residential treatment, the hospital, or jail who uses the amount they used to is at high risk of overdose. If you're leaving care, take naloxone with you and make sure the people around you know where it is.

Crisis numbers

Need	Contact
Emergency	911
Suicide or mental health crisis	988 (call or text)
Poison Control	1-800-222-1222
Orange County behavioral health, 24/7	OC Links: (855) 625-4657
Treatment referral, 24/7	SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

In District homes

Ask admissions whether naloxone is kept in your house and how residents are trained to respond to an overdose.

The District is sober living, not a medical or treatment program. If you or someone you love needs detox or treatment, our admissions team can help you find licensed programs near our Orange County homes. Call 24/7.