Opioids

Dose and tolerance

A scale can’t tell you the opioid dose in a street pill or powder. Even a small amount can stop breathing. After a break, an amount you used before can be too much.

If you use, keep naloxone nearby, have a sober person with you, and avoid taking more. Don’t mix with alcohol, benzos, or other sedatives.

Check for fentanyl

Use fentanyl strips as directed. A negative can miss fentanyl and gives no information about other opioids or sedatives. Ask a drug-checking service what it can detect.

Respond to overdose

Call 911 and give naloxone. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions for rescue breathing or CPR. If normal breathing hasn’t returned after 2–3 minutes, give another dose. Stay until help arrives.