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Intentional or accidental overdoses can occur when someone you know takes too much of a drug — even if it's the first time taking the drug, and whether the drug is illicit, prescription, or over the counter. 
What Should You Do During a Drug Overdose?
If you suspect someone has overdosed, getting medical attention can save their life! Call 911, give accurate details about what happened, and make sure you provide first responders or emergency medical personnel with as much information as possible.
- What drug(s) did he or she take?
- How long ago were they taken?
- How much was taken?
- Who else should be contacted immediately?
Be up front with the medical professionals who ask questions about your loved one. The medical staff must know as much as they can to treat him or her properly.
Still feel a little iffy about calling 911? Many states have a "Good Samaritan" law, which provides limited immunity from arrest or prosecution for minor drug law violations for people who get help at the scene of an overdose.
Good Samaritan laws do not protect people from arrest for other offenses, such as selling or trafficking drugs. But they do protect the caller and overdose victim from arrest and/or prosecution for simple possession, possession of paraphernalia, and/or being under the influence.
If someone is overdosing on an opioid (heroin, fentanyl, prescription-based opioids) you can use the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, which is available without a prescription at many pharmacies across the country. Learn more about it.
See Related
International Overdose Awareness Day official site
The Gordie Center: The University of Virginia's Gordie Center created a series of Instagram campaigns on how to identify and respond to opioid, stimulant, MDMA, cannabis and hallucinogen overdoses. Check them out here.