During 2025, an average of 55 Utahns died of a drug overdose each month. When given in time, naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids, such as oxycodone, fentanyl, and heroin. Utah pharmacies can dispense naloxone without a prescription, and you can also pick up free naloxone from your local health department or syringe exchange service.
Who is at risk? People at higher risk of an overdose include those who:
- Take high doses of opioids for long-term chronic pain management.
- Combine opioids with other drugs or alcohol.
- Misuse substances or have had a previous non-fatal overdose.
Every Utahn should keep naloxone on hand and learn the warning signs. Utah’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals from legal liability who call 911 and provide care in an emergency. You could save a life by having naloxone available.
Signs and symptoms of an overdose:
- Breathing: Shallow, slow, or stopped
- Airway: Gurgling or choking sounds
- Responsiveness: Unconscious, limp, or won’t wake up
- Eyes: Small, “pinpoint” pupils
- Skin/nails: Blue, purple, or gray fingernails and lips
- Heartbeat: Very faint or absent
What to do if you suspect an overdose:
- Call 911 immediately and report an overdose.
- Try to wake the person: Yell their name and rub your knuckles hard on the center of their chest.
- Administer naloxone.
- Check for breathing and pulse; provide rescue breathing if trained.
- Place the person on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking.
- Administer a second dose of naloxone after 2–3 minutes if there is no response.
- Stay with the person until first responders arrive.
