Opioid use disorders cause thousands of deaths each year throughout Florida as a result of overdoses. These drugs are particularly dangerous because of the manner in which they slow down breathing. If a loved one is struggling with this problem, knowing how to spot the signs of opioid intoxication can end up saving their life.
Providers of services for opioid recovery in Pensacola, FL, always stress the need to ensure that loved ones are ready to take action if intoxication occurs. What is the initial symptom of opioid intoxication, and what should your next steps be to help your loved one? The team at Gulf Breeze Recovery can help you understand how you can prevent serious consequences.
What is opioid intoxication?
One of the issues that occurs with addictive substances is that the body can build tolerance to them. When your loved one’s system gets used to the opioid, the drug becomes less effective. In order to achieve the euphoria they’re used to, your loved one might progressively increase the dose of the drug.
There may be other actions and situations that could make intoxication more likely to occur, including1:
- Progressively taking more of the drug
- Returning the drug after a period of abstinence
- Combining opioids with other substances
- Being between the ages of 20 and 40
- Having other mental or physical health issues
Opioids are central nervous system depressants, so higher doses can easily impact your loved one’s breathing. In the most severe instances, respiration can completely stop. If action isn’t taken immediately, your loved one can die.
The most important thing to do if you see that your loved one has overdosed is to call emergency services. If you have naloxone, which is a nasal spray that quickly reverses an opioid overdose, then use it immediately.2
What are the 6 signs of an opioid overdose?
Knowing what to look for when it comes to signs of opioid intoxication is essential. The faster that you can spot the problem, the sooner you can get them help, improving their survival chances. So, what are the 6 signs of an opioid overdose?
1. Small and constricted pupils
What is the initial symptom of opioid intoxication? First of all, you may notice that your loved one’s pupils are very small. They may be almost invisible because the sphincter muscles in their pupils contract as a result of the opioid.
2. Losing consciousness
Losing consciousness, including seeming to fall asleep, is another early sign of opioid intoxication. The drug impacts the brain’s center of pain and arousal, so your loved one can abruptly fall unconscious.
3. Slow or weak breathing
The opioid will then depress your loved one’s breathing, impacting the brainstem’s respiratory center. This is the area of the brain that controls breathing patterns and the muscles involved in respiration.
4. Choking or gurgling
Opioids also depress the gag reflex, which means that your loved one won’t be able to throw up as they normally would. This could lead them to choke on their own vomit.
5. Cold, clammy, and discolored skin
As intoxication progresses, your loved one’s blood pressure will drop dangerously. This can result in skin that is cold and clammy to the touch. You may also notice that they have blue lips because they’re not getting enough oxygen.
6. Limp body
As a result of unconsciousness and lack of oxygen, your loved one may be limp and unresponsive. You will not be able to rouse them.
Guide your loved one toward sobriety with opioid recovery from Gulf Breeze Recovery
An opioid overdose can be fatal. If your loved one is battling this type of substance use disorder, it’s essential to try to get them the help they need. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, your loved one can participate in a variety of programs to help them recover.
Our team also offers detox services and can provide the assistance your loved one needs in the event of intoxication. Don’t wait to get your loved one the help they deserve. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery at 833.551.2304 or complete our online contact form to enroll today.
Source:
1. National Institutes of Health. “Opioid Toxicity”. Accessed May 12, 2025.
2.National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Naloxone DrugFacts”. Accessed May 12, 2025.
