Risk Factors

Risk Factors

• Had a previous overdose
• Mixing opioids with alcohol, benzos, and/or cocaine
• Variation in strength and purity
• Tolerance changes: not using in awhile, been in treatment, been in jail
• Using alone
• Other physical problems such as asthma, weight loss, liver problems (Hepatitis C)

How To Lower Risk Of An Overdose

Individuals Can:

• Take tester shots, if unsure of purity.
• Partner up, have someone call you, leave door open, if you use alone.
• Use less after a period of abstinence; your tolerance is lowered.
• Avoid mixing alcohol/drugs.

Bystanders, Friends, Family Can:

• Have them partner up, leave door open, know OD response actions, if someone is using alone
• Know it can take 1-3 hours for an overdose to occur, check on them
• If you witness an overdose, call 911, use recovery position, and/or use rescue breathing