Fentanyl Overdose Response & Recovery—What You Need to Know This Overdose Awareness Month
Fentanyl Overdose Response & Recovery: Your Toolkit for Awareness and Action
Introduction
Fentanyl continues to drive the majority of fatal opioid overdoses across the U.S. and in Orange County. Its potency—up to 100x stronger than morphine—and its presence hidden inside other drugs make accidental overdose a constant threat. This Overdose Awareness Month, understanding how to recognize an overdose, respond with naloxone, and begin recovery can save lives. Download our free Fentanyl Overdose Response & Recovery Toolkit to keep on hand, share with others, and turn crisis into a pathway forward.
1. Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous
Briefly explain: synthetic opioid, extreme potency, often mixed into other substances unknowingly, rapid tolerance, high overdose and relapse risk if detox is attempted alone.
2. Recognizing an Overdose
List warning signs:
Slow/shallow or stopped breathing
Pinpoint pupils
Unresponsiveness or inability to wake
Blue/gray lips or fingertips
Gurgling sounds or choking
Limp body
3. Immediate Response Steps
Outline the emergency chain of survival:
Call 911—tell them it may be an opioid overdose.
Administer naloxone (nasal or injectable).
Support breathing (rescue breaths if trained).
Stay with the person—overdose can recur.
After revival, connect to care; an overdose is a critical intervention moment.
4. Naloxone: What It Is & How to Get It
Explain naloxone’s mechanism (opioid antagonist), safety, forms (Narcan nasal spray, injectable kits), and how it’s used in an overdose.
Where to get it in California / Orange County:
Pharmacies (standing order—no prescription needed)
Local public health/harm reduction programs
Community clinics / FQHCs
Syringe service/outreach teams
Include a mini “myths vs facts” if desired (e.g., naloxone doesn’t encourage use; laypeople can administer).
5. Harm Reduction Tips
Don’t use alone; have someone with naloxone or use a check-in system
Test for fentanyl when possible (test strips where legal)
Keep recovery contacts & emergency plan visible
After any overdose or near-miss, seek medically supervised detox / MAT
6. Recovery & Planning
Introduce MAT briefly and why it’s effective.
Provide reflection prompts, affirmations, and encourage setting short- and long-term goals.
Link to the toolkit for downloadable worksheets and planning aids.
7. Local Support & Next Steps
Highlight Salterra OC Detox & Treatment
Contact info:
Email: info@salterraocdetox.com