Overdose Prevention and Response
This video provides lifesaving information on how to recognize and respond to a drug overdose. Viewers learn the critical steps to take in an emergency, including how to identify warning signs, call for help, administer naloxone, and provide support until medical professionals arrive. The guide emphasizes quick action and making safety the top priority.
Whether you’re a friend, family member, or community member, this video equips you with the knowledge and confidence to save a life.
Types of Drugs
Downers refers to drugs that slow the central nervous system. Examples include:
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Opioids – prescription or street (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, etc.)
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Other depressants – alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB, xylazine (“tranq”) etc.
All downers can slow breathing, reduce oxygen flow to the brain, and lead to serious harm—including overdose, brain injury, organ failure, or death—especially when substances are combined.
Xylazine is a non-opioid veterinary anesthetic sometimes used to adulterate street drugs. It is not approved for human use, but exposure can cause soft-tissue wounds, physical dependence, and increase the risk of overdose. While some view xylazine’s non-opioid nature as an advantage when certain treatments are inaccessible, the health risks are significant.
Overdose Prevention and Response
Overamping-Stimulant Overdose
Overamping describes when someone uses stimulants in excess or combinations that overstimulate the body. This can lead to serious medical emergencies. SOOAR shares resources to help recognize stimulant overdose, know when it’s a crisis, and what steps to take.. https://issuu.com/nextdistro/docs/overampingcondensed
Why this matters
Overdose prevention is a key part of SOOAR’s risk reduction work: by offering education, tools (like naloxone), and support without judgment, we can reduce risk, preserve life, and build trust with people who use substances.