If someone is overdosing right now, call 911 immediately.
Do not wait. Every second matters. California's Good Samaritan law protects you.
Call 911Drug Overdose in Los Angeles — What to Do Right Now
A guide to recognizing overdose signs, taking immediate action, using Narcan, and understanding your legal protections in California. This information can save a life.
Key Facts About Drug Overdose in Los Angeles
- Fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose death in Los Angeles County, according to LACDPH.
- Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an opioid overdose within 2-3 minutes when administered correctly.
- California's Good Samaritan law (Health and Safety Code 11376.5) protects people who call 911 during an overdose from drug possession charges.
- Narcan is available without a prescription at all pharmacies in California.
- A single counterfeit pill can contain a lethal dose of fentanyl — there is no safe way to use unregulated pills.
- Mixing opioids with benzodiazepines or alcohol dramatically increases overdose risk.
- LA County DPH distributes free Narcan through harm reduction programs, community health centers, and syringe service programs.
- The majority of overdose deaths in LA County involve opioids, with fentanyl present in the majority of those cases (Source: LACDPH Overdose Surveillance Dashboard).
What to Do During an Overdose — Step by Step
Call 911 Immediately
Do not wait to see if the person gets better. Tell the dispatcher your location, that someone is unresponsive, and that you suspect an overdose. Stay on the line. California's Good Samaritan law protects you from arrest for calling.
Administer Narcan (Naloxone) If Available
If you have Narcan nasal spray, remove it from the packaging, tilt the person's head back slightly, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and press the plunger firmly. If there is no response after 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril. Narcan only works on opioid overdoses but will not harm someone who has taken other substances.
Perform Rescue Breathing If the Person Is Not Breathing
Tilt the person's head back, lift their chin, pinch their nose, and give one breath every 5 seconds. Watch for the chest to rise. Continue rescue breathing until paramedics arrive or the person begins breathing on their own.
Place the Person in the Recovery Position
Turn the person onto their side with their top knee bent forward and their bottom arm extended. This prevents choking if they vomit. Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them until paramedics arrive.
Stay Until Help Arrives
Do not leave the person alone even after administering Narcan. Fentanyl can outlast the effects of naloxone, meaning the person may stop breathing again after Narcan wears off (typically 30-90 minutes). Paramedics need to evaluate the person even if they appear to recover.
How to Recognize an Overdose
Opioid Overdose Signs
- Extremely small, pinpoint pupils
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Blue or grayish lips, fingertips, or face
- Gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds
- Unresponsive to voice or physical stimulation
- Limp body, muscles relaxed
- Cold, clammy, or pale skin
Stimulant Overdose Signs (Meth, Cocaine)
- Chest pain or pressure
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Extreme agitation, paranoia, or confusion
- Seizures or uncontrolled muscle movements
- Extremely high body temperature
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
Note: Narcan only reverses opioid overdoses. For stimulant overdoses, call 911 immediately. There is no medication that reverses stimulant overdose — emergency medical treatment is essential.
California's Good Samaritan Law — You Are Protected
California Health and Safety Code Section 11376.5 provides legal protection for people who seek emergency medical help during a drug overdose. If you call 911 because someone is overdosing, you cannot be arrested or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia. This protection applies to both the person who calls and the person who is overdosing.
The law was enacted because fear of arrest was causing people to hesitate or refuse to call for help during overdoses, resulting in preventable deaths. The intent is clear: saving a life is more important than a drug possession charge.
Important: The Good Samaritan law does not protect against charges for drug sales, manufacturing, or other serious offenses. It specifically covers simple possession and paraphernalia charges in the context of seeking help during an overdose.
Narcan (Naloxone) — What You Need to Know
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, temporarily restoring normal breathing. Narcan is available as a nasal spray, making it simple enough for anyone to administer without medical training.
In California, naloxone is available without a prescription at any pharmacy. It is also distributed free through LA County Department of Public Health harm reduction programs, community health centers, syringe service programs, and many community organizations. If you or someone you know uses opioids — or if you live in a household where opioids are present — having Narcan available can save a life.
For a comprehensive guide to obtaining free Narcan in Los Angeles, visit our Free Narcan in LA page.
After an Overdose — Getting Help
Surviving an overdose is a critical moment. Research shows that the period immediately following a non-fatal overdose is when a person is most open to treatment — and most at risk for a subsequent fatal overdose. If you or someone you know has survived an overdose, reaching out for help now can be the turning point.
Los Angeles hospitals are increasingly offering overdose survivors immediate connections to treatment through emergency department-based intervention programs. Many LA-area emergency departments now have substance abuse counselors or peer recovery specialists available to meet with overdose survivors before discharge.
Call (213) 277-7446 to speak with someone who can help connect you or your loved one with treatment after an overdose. The call is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Emergency and Crisis Hotlines
Emergency Services Featured
Call immediately for any overdose — every second counts
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LA Addiction Helpline
Post-overdose treatment referrals and support
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Mental health crisis support — call or text
Hours: 24/7
LA County SASH Hotline
Substance abuse treatment referrals
Hours: 24/7
Poison Control
For questions about specific substances and toxicity
Hours: 24/7
Get Free, Confidential Help Now
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Call (213) 277-7446Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
Signs of an opioid overdose include extremely small (pinpoint) pupils, slow or stopped breathing, blue or grayish lips and fingertips, gurgling or snoring sounds, unresponsiveness to stimulation, limpness, and cold or clammy skin. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately — do not wait to be sure.
Will I get arrested if I call 911 for an overdose?
California's Good Samaritan law (Health and Safety Code 11376.5) provides legal protection for people who call 911 during an overdose. You cannot be arrested or prosecuted for simple drug possession if you call for help in good faith during an overdose emergency. This protection applies to both the caller and the person overdosing.
How do I use Narcan (naloxone)?
Narcan nasal spray is simple to use: remove it from the packaging, place the tip in one nostril, and press the plunger firmly. The person should begin responding within 2-3 minutes. If there is no response after 3 minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril. Keep the person on their side in the recovery position and stay until paramedics arrive.
Can Narcan hurt someone who has not taken opioids?
No. Naloxone (Narcan) only affects opioid receptors. If someone has not taken opioids, Narcan will have no effect — it will not harm them. This is why it is safe to administer Narcan even if you are not certain the person has taken opioids. When in doubt, use it.
Where can I get free Narcan in Los Angeles?
Narcan is available without a prescription at pharmacies throughout California. Free Narcan is distributed through LA County DPH harm reduction programs, community health centers, syringe service programs, and many community organizations. Visit our Free Narcan in LA page for specific distribution locations.
What is the fentanyl overdose rate in Los Angeles?
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have increased dramatically in Los Angeles County. According to the LA County Department of Public Health, fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the county, surpassing methamphetamine and other substances. The rise of fentanyl in counterfeit pills has made overdose risk unpredictable even for occasional users.