Department of Veterans Affairs Community Clinic Suboxone Clinic in Washington, DC

In Case of a Heroin or Opiate Overdose in Washington, DC

Ingesting a large amount or highly potent dose of an opiate such as heroin, either intentionally or accidentally, can lead to serious consequences, including overdose, coma, and/or death.

If you suspect you or someone else has overdosed, call your local emergency hotline (ex. 911) or a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) immediately.

Signs of an opiate overdose

• Constipation
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Low blood pressure or weak pulse
• Lack of responsiveness, even to painful stimuli (such as strongly rapping knuckles across the sternum)
• Pupils that are constricted or non-reactive to light
• Blue colored fingernails or lips
• GI tract spasms
• Difficult to wake up or extreme sedation
• Coma
• Seizures
• Slow, shallow breathing or no breathing at all