Act now when danger is immediate
Call your local emergency number for suspected overdose, severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, seizure, severe withdrawal, chest pain, stroke symptoms, violent danger, or an immediate risk of suicide or serious self-harm. Do not rely on email, a website form or a private rehab admissions line.
Suspected opioid overdose
- Call emergency services.
- Give naloxone if available, following the product instructions.
- Support breathing or give rescue breaths if trained and advised.
- Place the person in the recovery position if they are breathing but unresponsive.
- Stay with them. More than one naloxone dose may be needed.
Possible signs include inability to wake, slow or absent breathing, blue or grey lips or nails, gurgling or choking sounds and very small pupils.
Severe alcohol or sedative withdrawal
Seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion, collapse, extreme agitation or rapidly worsening symptoms require emergency assessment. Do not try to manage severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal at home.
Suicide or self-harm crisis
If the person may act now, call emergency services, stay with them when safe, reduce access to immediate means when this can be done safely, and speak plainly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not create suicidal thoughts. A crisis line can support the next step, but imminent danger still requires emergency response.
Emergency and crisis contacts
| Location | Immediate danger | Crisis or addiction support |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 911 | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) |
| United Kingdom | 999 | NHS 111 for urgent advice; FRANK 0300 123 6600; Samaritans 116 123 |
| European Union | 112 | Use the relevant national health or crisis service |
| Spain | 112 | 024 suicide support line |
| Switzerland | 144 ambulance or 112 | 143 crisis support |
Numbers and availability can change. Verify local options when you are making a non-emergency plan.
While help is coming
- Do not leave an unconscious person alone.
- Do not make them vomit or put them in a cold bath.
- Tell responders what may have been taken, when and in what amount.
- Keep containers or medication lists if safe.
- Do not drive if the person is unstable or if you are impaired.
After the immediate crisis
An overdose, severe withdrawal or suicidal crisis should lead to a reassessment of the treatment plan and level of care. Ask about overdose prevention, naloxone, medication treatment, psychiatric follow-up, safe discharge and the next appointment before leaving care.