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Overdose Awareness and Prevention

We offer harm reduction advice, training and free Naloxone kits to help prevent opioid overdoses

A male sitting at a table with another lady reading a booklet

What is an opioid overdose?

Opioids are illicit drugs like heroin plus prescribed medications such as methadone, morphine, buprenorphine and codeine.

Opioids affect the central nervous system and can slow breathing to a dangerous level. An overdose can occur if too much is taken, if the drug is unknowingly mixed with much stronger synthetic opioids, or if taken with other depressants.

In 2023, 2,551 people died of an opioid overdose, a 12.8% increase on 2023* (*Office for National Statistics). At Turning Point, we are helping to reduce drug-related deaths caused by opioid overdose. By carrying naloxone, you could save someone’s life.

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

It can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, although it is a prescription-only medication, any person in the UK can carry and administer Naloxone for the purpose of saving a life. 

Where can I get free naloxone?

To help reduce drug-related deaths we provide free overdose response naloxone kits to people at risk of an opioid overdose, their family and friends, and members of the public who could help prevent an overdose.

To access a naloxone kit:

Where can I access naloxone training?

Contact your local Turning Point service to ask about individual and group naloxone training. We now also offer overdose training for Young People for nasal naloxone. 

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

There are five signs that you should look out for that signal someone could be having an overdose.

If someone has overdosed, always call 999 for an ambulance. If there is someone else with you, get them to call while you administer naloxone. Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
  1. Unresponsive
  2. Breathing is shallow or stopped
  3. Snoring or rattling breath
  4. Skin is pale or ashen
  5. Lips and fingernails are blue or grey

Unresponsive

They don't wake when you call loudly or shake their shoulder.

Breathing is shallow or stopped

Snoring or rattling breath

It may sound like they are asleep but snoring can be a sign someone is overdosing and struggling to breath.

Skin is pale or ashen

Lips and fingernails are blue or grey

How can I reduce the risk of overdose?

  • Avoid using alone.
  • Try a test dose first, especially after a period of abstinence.
  • Consider smoking rather than injecting your drugs.
  • Don't mix drugs, especially depressants.
  • Think about getting on a script - contact your local service to discuss your options.
  • Learn how to use naloxone and always carry a naloxone kit.

Opioid Overdose Awareness Toolkit

Our Opioid Overdose Awareness Toolkit includes a clear, easy-to-use guide to injectable naloxone. It explains the main risk factors for opioid overdose, the signs to look out for, and how to respond safely using naloxone. It also includes practical tips to reduce the risk of overdose for people who use opioids. 

This booklet is ideal for supporting training across staff teams, people who use drugs, their families and the wider community.

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