Opioid Overdose Prevention

ROBERT HILLIKER, PhD, LCSW-S, LCDC August 27, 2025 8 min read

The opioid crisis has deeply impacted communities across the United States, and Houston, Texas, is no exception. Each year, thousands of lives are lost to opioid overdoses, leaving families and neighborhoods devastated. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 80,000 Americans died from opioid-related overdoses in 2023 alone. In Harris County, which includes Houston, fentanyl and prescription painkillers remain a growing concern, with overdose deaths spiking by nearly 20% in the last two years.

Behind each number is a person: a loved one, a parent, a child, or a friend. That’s why education and awareness around opioid overdose prevention are so critical. By understanding what opioids are, how opioid addiction develops, and how overdoses can be recognized and reversed, we can save lives and connect people to effective opioid addiction treatment in Houston.

In this blog, we will attempt to do just that. We will dive into what opioid overdose prevention means, how to spot the warning signs, and what steps individuals, families, and communities can take to address the crisis.

What is Opioid Overdose Prevention?

a doctor explaining medication instructions

While a key component of opioid overdose prevention is education, it also involves learning and implementing strategies, tools, and practices designed to reduce the likelihood of fatal overdoses caused by opioids like fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. While some of these efforts are aimed at reducing or eliminating the supply of harmful substances, more realistic efforts surrounding overdose prevention involve education, as we mentioned, access to treatment, and harm-reduction strategies.

In fact, one could argue that the most effective form of prevention isn’t restricting opioids or removing them entirely, particularly since they do serve a legitimate medical purpose, but instead equipping those who interact with opioids, either directly or indirectly, with the tools and resources needed to not only reduce the stigma surrounding opioid addiction, but also to know what to do in the event that an opioid-related medical emergency occurs.

Preventing Opioid Overdose

So, what exactly can be done to prevent an opioid overdose? Well, if you or a loved one is currently taking opioids, either prescription or illicit, below are some effective strategies for preventing an opioid overdose:In the event that an overdose is occurring, every second counts. Knowing how to properly spot an opioid-related overdose can allow for early intervention, increasing the chances of a recovery.

Some of the more common signs of an opioid overdose include:

Extremely slow or stopped breathing
Unresponsiveness
Pinpoint pupils
Blue or gray lips and fingertips
Gurgling or snoring sounds

If you see an overdose occurring, call 911 immediately before attempting anything on your own. Once you have done that, if you have it on you and know how to use it, you can administer Naloxone (Narcan) in order to help stop and even reverse some of the overdose effects.

With Narcan now available over the counter, if you or someone you know is taking opioids, having Narcan on you and readily available is crucial.Whether you or someone you know is taking opioids prescribed by a doctor or ones obtained in other ways, certain things can be done when taking them to reduce the risk of an overdose. These include:

Not using them alone/unsupervised.
Avoid mixing them with other substances of abuse, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Using only as directed (if taken medically)
Keeping Narcan close by and making sure others know where they can find it

Many people first encounter opioids through leftover prescriptions in the home. Store prescription opioids securely, track pill counts, and never share them. When you no longer need them, use a drop-off location or take-back event for safe disposal.Opioid use disorder is highly treatable, and medications like buprenorphine and methadone can dramatically reduce the risk of overdose. Seeking help early can prevent life-threatening situations and make recovery more manageable.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

a man with hands together in therapy

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences, and is recognized as a chronic brain disease. Like other types of substance addictions, opioid addiction occurs as a result of the brain chemistry being altered as a result of regular, prolonged opioid use. As the brain becomes more and more dependent on opioids, it begins to believe that it can not function “normally” without opioids in the system, thus creating a dangerous cycle of dependency and addiction, one that can be difficult to break.

Some signs of an Opioid Use Disorder include:

Intense cravings for opioids
Difficulty cutting down or controlling use
Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop
Neglect of responsibilities at work, school, or home
Continued use despite financial, legal, or health consequences

It’s important to remember that, no matter how extreme the OUD is, it is treatable. Evidence-based approaches, like the ones offered at The Lovett Center, such as medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and counseling, provide individuals with the support needed to regain control over their lives.

The Stigma Of Opioid Use Disorder

One of the biggest reasons why more people don’t get professional help to address their opioid use disorder is the stigma surrounding not just opioid addiction, but addiction as a whole. Too often, people who struggle with opioid addiction feel ashamed, embarrassed, or even feel like a failure. On top of that, they may be unfairly judged, shamed, or dismissed rather than treated with compassion. This stigma prevents individuals from seeking help and discourages families from talking openly about addiction.

In Houston and in the country as a whole, nobody should be made to feel less than because they are suffering from a substance use disorder. That’s why, at The Lovett Center, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where those in need of treatment feel supported rather than shamed. We believe that, when stigma is reduced, people are far more likely to seek the treatment they need

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and illegal drugs like heroin. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain and producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria. While effective for short-term pain management, opioids carry a high risk of dependence and overdose.

Opioids fall into one of three categories:

Prescription pain relievers – Oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, codeine
Synthetic opioids – Fentanyl, which is often mixed into counterfeit pills or heroin without the user’s knowledge
Illegal opioids – Heroin, which is frequently used when prescription opioids become difficult to obtain

In Houston and throughout the country, fentanyl is now one of the leading drivers of overdose deaths. Law enforcement reports show that many street drugs, including counterfeit Xanax, Adderall, and Percocet, are being laced with fentanyl, putting even casual users at risk.

What Are the Signs of Opioid Overdose?

Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose can save a life. Overdoses occur when opioids slow breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels, depriving the brain and body of oxygen. Immediate action is critical.

Common signs of overdose include:

Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
Blue or gray lips and fingernails
Pinpoint pupils (very small)
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body

As we touched on earlier, if you suspect an overdose:

Call 911 immediately.
Administer naloxone if available.
Perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained.
Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.

In Houston, Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who call for emergency help during an overdose, meaning you won’t face legal trouble for seeking life-saving assistance. This protection is critical to encouraging people to act quickly rather than hesitating out of fear.

The Lovett Center Offers Opioid Addiction Treatment in Houston, Texas

a woman speaking to her therapist in session

At The Lovett Center, we know that recovery from opioid use disorder is possible with the right support. Our approach to treatment goes beyond simply addressing substance use, focusing on healing the whole person.

Our Services Include:

Our team of clinicians and counselors creates a supportive environment where recovery is not just possible but sustainable, helping to build a foundation for long-term sobriety and wellness.