When the unthinkable happens, there’s no time to google what to do.
For many parents, the first time they realize how far their child’s addiction has gone is in the middle of a crisis—when they find them unconscious, barely breathing, or blue-lipped and silent.
It’s a moment that freezes you. But what comes next could save their life.
This guide is for the parent who’s terrified, exhausted, and still holding on. At Tal Behavioral Health in Beachwood, Ohio, we’ve supported many families through this—and we want to help you feel steady, not scared, if you’re ever in that moment.
What an Opioid Overdose Looks Like: Know the Signs
Opioid overdoses often don’t look dramatic. Many happen in bedrooms, bathrooms, or locked cars. They are quiet. Slow. Sometimes unnoticed until it’s almost too late.
Key signs to watch for include:
- Slow or stopped breathing – Watch for less than 10 breaths per minute.
- Unresponsiveness – No response to shouting, shaking, or painful stimuli.
- Blue or gray lips and fingernails – A sign of oxygen deprivation.
- Gurgling or choking sounds – Often mistaken for snoring.
- Pale, clammy skin – Especially around the face and fingertips.
- Pinpoint pupils – A classic symptom of opioid overdose.
If you suspect an overdose—even if you’re not sure—call 911 immediately. Trust your gut. It’s better to be wrong than too late.
Narcan: The Emergency Reversal Medication Every Parent Should Have
Narcan (brand name for naloxone) is a nasal spray that temporarily reverses the effects of opioids. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain—essentially pulling the drugs off the “switch” that’s turning off breathing.
You don’t need to be a medical professional to use Narcan.
It’s designed for bystanders like you—parents, friends, partners—anyone who might be first on the scene.
🩺 How to use Narcan:
- Tilt the person’s head back and support their neck.
- Insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger.
- Wait 2–3 minutes. If there’s no change, give a second dose in the other nostril.
- Stay with them until help arrives. If they start breathing again, turn them on their side.
Important: Narcan only works for opioid overdoses—not alcohol or benzodiazepines. But if you’re unsure what your child took, it’s still safe to use. It won’t cause harm.
Where to Get Narcan in Ohio
In Ohio, you can get Narcan:
- At most major pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens) without a prescription
- Through local health departments and community outreach programs
- From harm reduction nonprofits or treatment providers like Tal
Some programs will mail Narcan to you for free. And many offer brief training so you feel confident using it.
Keeping Narcan in your home does not mean giving up.
It means you’re ready to save your child’s life if it comes to that. It’s not a replacement for treatment—it’s a bridge to it.
After the Overdose: The Emotional Fallout for Parents
Once your child is revived—or hospitalized, or released—it’s common to feel disoriented. You might move between numbness, rage, helplessness, and fierce resolve. You might feel like you’ve failed. Or like you’re the only one who still believes they can get better.
Let us say this clearly:
You didn’t cause this. You can’t control it. But you are not powerless.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic, treatable condition. Just like with diabetes or asthma, a relapse or overdose doesn’t mean recovery is impossible. It means the care plan needs to change. And treatment is still an option.
What Opioid Addiction Treatment Looks Like at Tal Behavioral Health
We know that for many families, entering treatment is a fragile process. Trust is broken. Energy is low. Hope feels like a risk.
That’s why our opioid addiction treatment services in Beachwood, Ohio are built around stability, respect, and clinical clarity.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A personalized assessment to understand your child’s unique needs, history, and readiness
- Evidence-based care including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) when appropriate
- A blend of individual therapy, group support, and family involvement
- Trauma-informed practices that meet your child where they are—not where we wish they were
- Support navigating recovery housing, transportation, and other social needs
We don’t expect a perfect start. We expect a real one.
Your Role as a Parent: What Helps (and What Doesn’t)
Parents often ask us, “What should I do now?” The truth is, it’s not about doing everything right. It’s about staying connected, even when it’s hard.
✅ What helps:
- Staying calm during moments of panic
- Having Narcan available and knowing how to use it
- Setting boundaries that protect your wellbeing
- Talking to a therapist or joining a support group (like Al-Anon or local parent networks)
- Encouraging—but not forcing—your child toward treatment
🚫 What doesn’t help:
- Shame-based conversations (“How could you do this?”)
- Threats or ultimatums made in fear
- Ignoring your own emotional needs
You don’t have to carry this alone. There are resources to support both your child’s recovery and your own healing.
FAQ: Narcan, Overdose, and Treatment in Ohio
Is Narcan legal for me to carry in Ohio?
Yes. Narcan is legal and available without a prescription in Ohio. You are protected under the state’s Good Samaritan laws when you administer it in good faith.
Can someone overdose again after being revived with Narcan?
Yes. Narcan’s effects wear off in 30–90 minutes, while opioids may stay in the system longer. That’s why it’s essential to call 911 even if they “wake up.”
What if my child refuses treatment after an overdose?
This is very common. Overdose can be a moment of clarity—or not. We can help you explore ways to keep the door open, offer options, and protect your family.
Does Tal Behavioral Health offer outpatient treatment or detox?
Yes. We offer a range of outpatient opioid addiction treatment services designed to meet your child where they are. We can also help coordinate higher levels of care if needed.
Can I talk to someone even if my child isn’t ready?
Absolutely. We offer support and consultation for parents and family members, even if your loved one isn’t in our care yet. You deserve guidance, too.
📞 Ready to Talk?
If you’re worried your child is using opioids—or you’re still reeling from an overdose—we’re here for you. Call (216) 480-4860 or visit our Opioid Addiction Treatment page to take the next step. Whether you need Narcan, information, or a place to start healing—we’ll walk with you.
