If an opioid overdose is suspected
Call emergency services. Give naloxone if available and follow its instructions. Tell the dispatcher what happened and follow their guidance. Stay with the person if it is safe to do so. Naloxone does not replace emergency assessment, even if the person wakes up.
Severe withdrawal symptoms
Seizures, severe confusion or hallucinations after reducing alcohol require urgent medical attention. Do not attempt to manage a serious withdrawal episode using an online schedule. If dependence is possible, seek medical advice before stopping alcohol or changing benzodiazepines.
If you cannot stay safe
Seek immediate help from local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. If possible, ask a trusted person to stay with you while help is arranged. A provider inquiry form or overseas admissions line is not a substitute for local crisis support.
When the concern is not immediate
Contact a primary-care clinician or local addiction service for an assessment. In the US, FindTreatment.gov provides a treatment directory. In the UK, the NHS cocaine and alcohol guidance linked in our topic guides explains local routes to care.
Sources & further reading
Published by AddictionResearch with AI-assisted preparation. General education; no independent clinician review is claimed.
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