How to Prevent and Respond to Overdose

Preventing overdose, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and knowing how to respond can save lives. Learn how and when to use naloxone and find supervised consumption services in your community.

If you use drugs, take steps to reduce overdose risk:

  • Use with a buddy or at a supervised consumption site.
  • If using alone, have a safety plan—call the National Overdose Prevention Line (1-888-688-6677) or use the Brave app.
  • Check your supply—ask others, use Toronto’s drug checking service.
  • Start with a small dose and avoid mixing substances.
  • Carry naloxone—free kits are available at select pharmacies and local agencies.

Signs of overdose may include:

  • Can’t wake the person up
  • Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
  • Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
  • Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
  • Body is very limp

TPH provides programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who take drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Learn about the services provided by The Works.

Find a full list of agencies that offer harm reduction supplies and services across Toronto.

If you suspect an overdose:

Step 1: Shout & Shake

Shout their name and shake their shoulders.

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Call 9-1-1

If the person is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Administer Naloxone

1 spray into the person’s nostril and/or 1 ampoule into the person’s arm or leg.

 

 

 

 

Step 4:Start CPR

Do chest compressions and/or rescue breathing.

 

 

Step 5: Assess if it is working

If there is no improvement in 2 – 3 minutes, repeat steps 3 & 4.

 

 

 

 

Download this information as a PDF.

You can tell Toronto Public Health about a bad reaction to unregulated drugs or an overdose that happened by emailing drugstrategy@toronto.ca. Emails will be kept confidential, and the information will be used by staff at Toronto Public Health to inform harm reduction actions. If you would like someone to contact you, please provide your contact information in the email.

If you would like to know what is in your drugs, learn more about the Toronto Drug Checking Service.