Drug Overdose in Grand Rapids, Michigan

An overdose happens when someone takes a toxic (poisonous) amount of a drug, medicine, or substance. This can involve:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medicines (like pain relievers or cold/flu tablets)
  • Alcohol
  • Illicit drugs (such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine)
  • Some herbal or “natural” remedies

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, drug overdose is a serious and growing public health concern, especially involving opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and prescription painkillers.

Symptoms of an overdose can appear very quickly, or they may be delayed for hours. Not all overdoses are fatal, but every suspected overdose is a medical emergency and must be taken seriously.

Overdose Is an Emergency: What to Do in Grand Rapids

If you think someone has overdosed in Grand Rapids, Kent County, or anywhere in Michigan:

  1. Call 911 immediately.
    • In Grand Rapids, EMS and local fire departments are trained to respond rapidly to overdoses and can administer naloxone for opioid overdoses.
  2. Tell the operator:
    • Your exact location (address, nearby cross streets, or landmark)
    • What substance(s) you think were taken
    • Whether the person is conscious and breathing

Michigan has a Good Samaritan law that offers some legal protection when you seek emergency help for an overdose. Do not delay calling 911.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Overdose

Overdose symptoms vary depending on:

  • Which substance(s) were taken
  • How much and how strong they were
  • How they were taken (swallowed, injected, snorted, smoked)
  • The person’s age, body size, and general health
  • Whether alcohol or other drugs were used at the same time

Common Symptoms of Overdose (Including Alcohol Poisoning)

Call 911 right away if you notice any of the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe stomach pain or abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Loss of coordination
  • Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty staying awake
  • Being unresponsive but still breathing
  • A limp or floppy body
  • Seizures (fitting)
  • Agitation, panic, or paranoia
  • Hallucinations or visual disturbances
  • Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing – or not breathing at all
  • Snoring deeply, choking, or gurgling sounds
  • Blue or gray lips and fingernails
  • Pale, cool, or clammy skin
  • Very slow or irregular pulse
  • Complete loss of consciousness or coma

Even if the person “seems okay” at first, overdose symptoms can develop later. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.

What To Do If You Think Someone Has Overdosed

Step 1: Stay as Calm as You Can

  • Call 911 for an ambulance immediately.
  • Clearly explain what you see and what the person may have taken.

Step 2: Check Breathing and Responsiveness

  • Gently shake their shoulder and speak loudly: “Can you hear me?”
  • If they do not respond or are very drowsy, treat it as an emergency.

Step 3: Use the Recovery Position (If Unconscious but Breathing)

If the person is unconscious but breathing:

  1. Gently roll them onto their side.
  2. Tilt their head back slightly and lift the chin to keep the airway open.
  3. Bend the top leg and place it in front to stabilize their position.
  4. Check their breathing continuously until help arrives.

This position helps prevent choking if they vomit.

Step 4: If Not Breathing or No Pulse

If the person is not breathing or you cannot find a pulse:

  • Start CPR if you are trained.
  • Follow 911 operator instructions until EMS arrives.

What NOT To Do During an Overdose

  • Do not try to make the person vomit.
  • Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
  • Do not put them in a cold shower or bath (risk of shock or drowning).
  • Do not leave them alone “to sleep it off.”
  • Do not give them other drugs or alcohol to “wake them up.”

If possible, keep any pill bottles, drug packaging, or substances and bring them to the hospital. This helps emergency doctors in Grand Rapids (e.g., at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) know what was taken and how best to treat it.

Naloxone (Narcan) and Opioid Overdose in Grand Rapids

Opioid overdoses (from heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, etc.) are common in Michigan and Kent County.

Naloxone (brand names: Narcan, Kloxxado, etc.) is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.

Signs of Possible Opioid Overdose

  • Very slow or stopped breathing
  • Pinpoint (very small) pupils
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Limp body
  • Unresponsive or cannot be woken up

Using Naloxone

If you suspect an opioid overdose:

  1. Call 911 first.
  2. Give naloxone if you have it (nasal spray or injection).
  3. If there’s no response in 2–3 minutes, give a second dose if available.
  4. Stay with the person until EMS arrives.

Where to Get Naloxone in Grand Rapids

In Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan, naloxone is widely available:

  • Many pharmacies (often without an individual prescription under Michigan’s standing order)
  • Local harm reduction programs and community outreach services
  • Some emergency departments and clinics

Check with:

  • Kent County Health Department – for information on local naloxone distribution and overdose prevention programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community partners
  • Local harm reduction organizations and syringe service programs in West Michigan

Carrying naloxone is recommended if:

  • You use opioids (prescription or illicit)
  • You use other drugs that might be contaminated with fentanyl
  • You live with or care for someone who uses opioids

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose

Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen in the U.S.; common brand: Tylenol) is a very common pain and fever medicine. It is widely used in Grand Rapids homes and often given to children.

It is also one of the most common medicines involved in accidental overdoses and is sometimes taken intentionally in suicide attempts.

Why Paracetamol Overdose Is Dangerous

  • The difference between a safe maximum daily dose and a toxic dose is small.
  • Large amounts can cause severe liver damage.
  • Symptoms may be mild or absent at first, but serious damage can appear 2–3 days later.

Signs of Paracetamol Overdose

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal (stomach) pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling generally unwell or very tired
  • Later: jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), confusion, or drowsiness

Always seek emergency care immediately if you suspect a paracetamol/acetaminophen overdose, even if the person feels fine.

How Overdose Is Treated in Grand Rapids Hospitals

If you go to a Grand Rapids emergency department (such as Corewell Health / Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health), the medical team will typically:

  1. Assess your condition

    • Ask what you took, when, and how much
    • Perform a physical exam
    • Order blood tests and sometimes other tests (like ECG, imaging)
    • Provide psychological assessment if intentional overdose is suspected

  2. Try to limit further absorption of the drug

    • Sometimes give activated charcoal, which binds certain drugs in the stomach so the body can’t absorb them (must be given within a specific time window after ingestion)

  3. Give an antidote, if available

    • Naloxone for opioid overdose
    • Specific antidotes for some other drugs (e.g., for paracetamol overdose)

  4. Provide supportive care

    • Oxygen or breathing support
    • IV fluids
    • Medications to control seizures, heart rhythm problems, agitation, or pain

  5. Admit you to the hospital if needed

    • For monitoring, further treatment, or mental health support

After Treatment With Activated Charcoal

If you received activated charcoal:

  • You will pass it in your stool within a day or two (it often looks black).
  • Drink plenty of water to reduce constipation.
  • Charcoal can interfere with how well other medications work.

If you take regular medicines (including birth control pills), ask your doctor or pharmacist how charcoal may affect them and whether you need backup contraception or dose adjustments.

Self-Care After an Overdose

After leaving the hospital in Grand Rapids:

  • Follow all instructions from your doctor or emergency team.
  • Take prescribed medications exactly as directed.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments, including any referrals to counseling, addiction treatment, or mental health services.
  • Drink adequate water (unless your doctor restricts fluids).
  • Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed drugs while your body recovers.

Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids can:

  • Monitor your physical recovery
  • Review your medications for safety
  • Refer you to local mental health, addiction, or support services if needed

Why Overdoses Happen

An overdose can be:

Accidental

This may happen when:

  • Taking the wrong medicine or the wrong dose
  • Mixing medications with alcohol without realizing the risk
  • Using a street drug that is stronger than expected or contaminated (e.g., with fentanyl)
  • Returning to drug use after a period of not using (loss of tolerance)
  • A child accessing medicines or substances that were not safely stored

Intentional

This happens when someone takes a harmful dose on purpose, often in the context of:

  • Severe emotional distress
  • Depression or other mental health conditions
  • Relationship, financial, or work stress
  • Feelings of hopelessness or wanting to die

Intentional overdose is a medical and mental health emergency and signals a need for compassionate support, not judgment.

Regardless of why an overdose occurred, it is vital to treat the person with care, dignity, and respect.

Overdose Risk Factors

Anyone can overdose, but the risk is higher when:

  • More than one substance is taken at the same time (e.g., opioids + alcohol, benzodiazepines + alcohol)
  • The body is not used to the substance (low tolerance)
  • There is a recent period of abstinence (e.g., after rehab, jail, or hospital stay)
  • The person has existing health problems (heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease)
  • The substance is obtained from an unknown or unreliable source
  • The person uses alone where no one can call for help

In Michigan, cold winters and long nights can contribute to seasonal depression and increased alcohol or drug use for some people. This can raise overdose risk, especially during the holiday season and in times of social isolation.

Preventing Overdose: Medicine and Substance Safety

Practice Medication Safety

  • Always read medication labels carefully.
  • Take prescription medications only as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not share prescription medications with others.
  • Keep all medications in their original packaging so doses and instructions are clear.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
    • Take multiple medications
    • Use alcohol or other drugs
    • Have had an overdose before

Safe Storage at Home

  • Keep all medicines, alcohol, drugs, and poisons:
    • In a locked, secure place
    • Out of sight and reach of children and teens
  • Do not keep medications you no longer need:
    • Use medication take-back programs at local pharmacies or Kent County collection events
    • Ask your Grand Rapids pharmacist about safe disposal options

Be Careful With Mixing Substances

  • Avoid using alcohol with sedatives, sleeping pills, opioids, or certain anxiety medications.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about dangerous interactions between:
    • Prescription drugs
    • Over-the-counter medicines
    • Herbal supplements
    • Alcohol and illicit drugs

There is no completely safe level of drug use. Any drug can carry risk, especially when mixed with other substances.

Safer Use Strategies (If You Choose to Use)

If you do use alcohol or other drugs, you can reduce (but not eliminate) overdose risk:

  • Start low and go slow.
    • If you haven’t used in a while, your tolerance is lower—take a much smaller amount than usual.
    • If the drug is from an unknown source or purity, test a small amount first.
  • Do not re-dose if you have an unexpected or delayed reaction.
  • Avoid using alone.
    • Use in a safer environment with people you trust.
    • If you must use alone, let someone know where you are and ask them to check on you.
  • Avoid mixing substances, especially:
    • Opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepines
    • Stimulants with depressants (“speedballing”)
  • Keep naloxone on hand if you use opioids or drugs that might contain fentanyl.
  • Check for Michigan drug alerts from:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
    • Local harm reduction organizations

Remember: street drugs in Grand Rapids and across Michigan may be contaminated with fentanyl or other dangerous substances, even if no official warning has been issued.

Learning First Aid and Overdose Response in Grand Rapids

Some basic first aid skills can make the difference between life and death.

Consider:

  • First aid and CPR courses offered by:
    • Local hospitals and health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health)
    • Community colleges and training centers in Grand Rapids
    • Organizations like the American Red Cross or similar providers
  • Overdose response and naloxone training through:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Local harm reduction and recovery organizations
    • Community health fairs and outreach programs

These services can teach you how to:

  • Recognize an overdose
  • Call for help effectively
  • Use naloxone
  • Provide basic first aid until EMS arrives

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids and Michigan

In an Emergency

  • Call 911 immediately for any suspected overdose.
  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency department, such as:
    • Corewell Health / Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital (downtown Grand Rapids)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities serving the Grand Rapids area

For Poisoning or Medication Questions

  • Poison Help Line (U.S.): 1-800-222-1222
    • 24/7 confidential advice for poisoning or suspected overdose involving medicines, chemicals, or household products.

For Ongoing Support, Mental Health, and Addiction Services

  • Your primary care provider (GP/doctor) in Grand Rapids
  • Community mental health centers and counseling services in Kent County
  • Local addiction treatment and recovery programs, including outpatient and residential services
  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
    • 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress or thinking about self-harm

Key Points About Drug Overdose in Grand Rapids

  • Overdose can happen with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, illicit drugs, and some herbal products.
  • Symptoms may appear rapidly or be delayed, and they vary widely from person to person.
  • Any suspected overdose is a medical emergency—always call 911.
  • Naloxone can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses and is available in many Grand Rapids pharmacies and community programs.
  • Safe medication use, secure storage, avoiding mixing substances, and knowing how to respond in an emergency can reduce overdose risk.
  • Treat anyone who has experienced an overdose with compassion and respect and help them connect with ongoing medical and mental health support.

If you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are concerned about overdose—your own risk or that of someone you care about—reach out to local healthcare providers, the Kent County Health Department, or trusted community organizations for guidance, support, and resources.