Recognizing Opioid Overdose
Opioids are a class of natural or synthetic drugs derived from the opium poppy plant and are commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain.
Naloxone is a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and can be life-saving if administered in time. The drug is sold under the brand name Narcan®.
If you or someone you know is showing these signs of opioid overdose, call 911 immediately, and administer naloxone:
- Slow, shallow breathing or not breathing
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
- Choking, gurgling, or gasping sounds
- Convulsions or seizures
- Pale or blue skin, fingernails, lips
- Chest pain
Naloxone
Where to Get Naloxone
Gwenda Thompson Trades Career Center
Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Port St. Lucie Clinic
Monday and Wednesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
How to Administer Naloxone
Good Samaritan Act
The Good Samaritan Act provides legal protection to individuals who offer help during an emergency. In Florida, this includes civil immunity for anyone who provides emergency assistance in good faith as well as criminal immunity for people who call 911 to report a suspected drug or alcohol overdose. These protections are designed to encourage bystanders to seek help or provide aid without fear of legal consequences.
Resources For Patients and Caregivers
Treatment and Support for Recovery
- Provider Locater – Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
- Treatment for Substance Abuse
- Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
- Resource Guide – St. Lucie Cares
Local and National Crisis Response Hotlines
Local Hotlines
Sexual Assault Assistance Program: 866-828-7273
Certified Local Rape Crisis Center Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.
SafeSpace: 772-223-2399
Certified Domestic Violence Program & Shelter Serving Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties.
Martha’s House: 863-763-2893
Certified Domestic Violence Programs and Shelters Serving Okeechobee County.
National Hotlines
- Overdose Prevention Lifeline: 800-484-3731
- Never Use Alone: 877-696-1996
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 800-487-4889
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988