If someone is overdosing right now, call 911. Don’t wait. California’s 911 Good Samaritan law offers protection from arrest for drug possession when you call for help during an overdose. Making the call is always the right move.
Know the signs of an overdose
Act fast if you see any of these:
- Won’t wake up or respond
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- Blue or gray lips, fingertips, or skin
- Tiny, pinpoint pupils
What to do
- Call 911.
- Give naloxone if you have it. Use a second dose after 2 to 3 minutes if there’s no response.
- Keep them breathing. Tilt the head back and give rescue breaths.
- Stay with them until help arrives, and turn them on their side so they don’t choke.
City of Los Angeles Partner Organizations
Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Bienestar Human Services, Inc.
Homeless Health Care Los Angeles (HHCLA)
Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA)
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
East Los Angeles Women’s Center
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
St. John’s Well Child & Family Center
Additional Partners
UCLA Art and Global Health Center
Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Alliance for Housing and Healing
UCLA Center for HIV Prevention and Treatment Services
Comunidad en Outreach for Resilience and Awareness
Blue Hollywood Street Sanctuary
Talk to someone now
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referrals and information, 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish.
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Find treatment near you at findtreatment.gov
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Support for any mental health or substance use crisis, available in more than 150 languages.
Call or text 988
Visit 988lifeline.org
LA County Substance Abuse Service Helpline
Local, free, 24/7 help finding treatment and recovery services anywhere in Los Angeles County.
Call 1-844-804-7500
Explore LA County resources at recoverla.org