Opioid Overdose — What to Do in Georgia Right Now

An opioid overdose kills by stopping breathing. The window between an overdose beginning and death is often minutes. If you are reading this because someone near you may be overdosing, call 911 immediately, then come back to this page. If you are reading this to prepare, because someone you love uses opioids and you know a day may come when you need this information, read every word and then call Hope Harbor Wellness at 770-573-9546 for treatment help.

Georgia’s 911 Medical Amnesty Law – Limited Protection for Calling 911

Georgia’s 911 Medical Amnesty Law, O.C.G.A. § 16-13-5, may provide limited immunity from arrest, charge, or prosecution for certain covered drug violations when a person seeks medical assistance in good faith for someone experiencing a drug overdose. To qualify, the person seeking help must act in good faith, remain with the person until emergency services arrive, and cooperate with emergency personnel. The protection may apply to both the person seeking help and the person experiencing the overdose when the legal requirements are met.

The immunity is limited. It may apply to certain possession-related offenses, less than one ounce of marijuana, and drug-related objects. It does not extend to distribution, trafficking, possession with intent, or every possible legal issue. But for many bystanders in overdose situations, the law may reduce the fear that calling 911 will automatically result in arrest for possession. Every minute without a 911 call when someone is overdosing is a minute closer to brain damage or death. Call 911. Georgia law may provide limited protection in qualifying overdose situations.

Recognizing an Opioid Overdose – The Three Signs

Opioid overdose produces three recognizable signs that together constitute a medical emergency:

Pinpoint pupils: The pupils constrict to a very small, pin-point size even in low-light conditions. This is a direct effect of opioids on the optic nerve. In a normal environment, the pupils should be 4-8mm. Overdose may produce 1-2mm constriction.

Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness: The person cannot be roused by calling their name loudly, shaking their shoulders, or applying a sternal rub, which means pressing your knuckles firmly to the breastbone. If they respond to stimulation, such as grunting, pushing away, or trying to wake, this may be more consistent with extreme intoxication than overdose. If there is no response whatsoever, treat it as an overdose.

Slow, shallow, or absent breathing: Normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute. Opioid overdose progressively slows breathing, sometimes to 8, 6, 4, or fewer breaths per minute. Gurgling, choking, or rattling breathing sounds may indicate the airway is partially obstructed. No visible chest movement means breathing may have stopped.

You do not need all three signs to act. Unresponsiveness alone warrants calling 911. Slow or absent breathing with any other sign warrants Narcan administration immediately if available.

Administering Narcan (Naloxone) – Step by Step

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an opioid antagonist. It rapidly displaces opioids from receptors, helping reverse respiratory depression and restore breathing. It is available without a prescription at many Georgia pharmacies under a statewide standing order. It is also distributed free at some harm reduction sites throughout the state.

Nasal spray, Narcan nasal spray, most common and easiest to use:

1. Position the person on their back. Support their neck to tilt the head back slightly.
2. Remove the device from the box. Do not prime or test it, it is ready to use.
3. Place the tip in one nostril, then press the plunger firmly to release the full dose.
4. If a second dose is available and there is no response within 2-3 minutes, administer the second dose in the other nostril.
5. Turn them on their side, also called the recovery position, after administration.
6. Call 911 if you have not already. Narcan’s effects may wear off before the opioid does, so emergency services need to evaluate the person even if they wake up.

Important: Naloxone is considered safe to give in a suspected opioid overdose, even if you are not sure opioids are involved. If you are uncertain whether an overdose is opioid-related, administer Narcan anyway if available and call 911. Acting quickly can save a life.

Fentanyl and Narcan: Fentanyl-involved overdoses may require multiple Narcan doses because fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin or prescription opioids and may be more difficult to reverse. Multiple-dose Narcan kits are recommended for people who use fentanyl or who may be exposed to fentanyl in the drug supply.

After the Overdose – What Comes Next

When a person wakes from a Narcan reversal, they may experience sudden opioid withdrawal. This can be deeply uncomfortable, with symptoms such as agitation, confusion, nausea, sweating, body aches, anxiety, or strong cravings. The person may want more opioids to escape the withdrawal. This is the moment when the kindest and most helpful thing anyone can do is stay with them, call for emergency services if they have not been called, and have the treatment conversation when they are stable enough to hear it.

Naloxone may wear off before fentanyl or other long-acting opioids wear off. It is critical that the person be evaluated by emergency medical personnel even if they appear to have fully recovered after Narcan. Re-sedation, meaning overdosing again as Narcan wears off while the opioid remains active, is a documented and preventable cause of post-reversal death.

Where to Get Free Narcan in Georgia

• Georgia pharmacies: Many CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and independent pharmacies dispense naloxone without a prescription under a Georgia statewide standing order. Ask the pharmacist. Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans cover it.
• Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition: georgiaharmreduction.org, free naloxone distribution, training, and harm reduction supplies throughout Georgia.
• 211 Georgia: Dial 211 for local naloxone distribution sites near you.
• NEXT Distro: nextdistro.org, mail-based free naloxone in Georgia.
• County health departments: Many Georgia county health departments distribute naloxone free of charge to people who use drugs and their family members.

After the Crisis – Addiction Treatment Near Atlanta

A survived overdose is one of the most urgent signs that treatment support is needed. The window of opportunity, the days immediately following an overdose when the person and the family are shaken, frightened, and potentially open to change, can be real and time-sensitive. This is the moment to have the conversation about treatment, to have the logistics already prepared, and to act.

Hope Harbor Wellness in Hiram, GA provides same-day buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, options for opioid use disorder when clinically appropriate. Same-day help is frequently available on the day someone calls. You do not have to wait weeks. You do not have to complete a lengthy application. Call 770-573-9546 from the hospital parking lot, from the house where it happened, or from wherever you are right now. We will tell you exactly what is possible today.

Same-Day Opioid Addiction Treatment After an Overdose

After emergency medical care, the next step is reducing the risk of another overdose. Hope Harbor Wellness provides outpatient opioid addiction treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and same-day buprenorphine options when clinically appropriate. Our team can help adults and families understand what level of care makes sense after an overdose, including detox referral, PHP, IOP, MAT, and dual diagnosis treatment.

Insurance and Same-Day Treatment Options After an Overdose

In-network with BCBS/Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, Optum/UHC, Oscar, TriCare, Humana Military, VACCN, Beacon Health, Magellan, UBH, UMR, Meritain, and MultiPlan. Adults 18+ commercial insurance only. No Medicaid or Medicare. Private pay and CareCredit available. Free verification: 770-573-9546.

Frequently Asked Questions – Opioid Overdose in Georgia