5 Dangerous Myths About Opioid Overdoses
You are here:Opioid overdoses remain one of the deadliest public health crises in U.S. history. Even as other issues dominate the headlines, opioids claim lives every single day — and the numbers are staggering.
Between March 2020 and March 2021, nearly 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S., a 30% increase from the year before. Almost 80% of those deaths involved opioids.
Why are opioid overdoses still rising — and why do so many people underestimate the risk? One reason is dangerous misinformation. In this article, we’ll debunk five common myths about opioid overdoses and share what you can do to help prevent tragedy.
Why Opioid Overdoses Are Increasing in the United States
Opioid overdoses have been on the rise for years, but the pandemic intensified the problem:
- Isolation and stress led many to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
- Job loss and financial struggles increased mental health challenges.
- Interrupted treatment services made it harder for people to get help.
For some, opioids became a coping mechanism for anxiety and depression. Many believed prescription opioids were “safe” because they came from a doctor. In reality, misusing any opioid — prescription or illicit — can be deadly.
Myth #1: Experienced Opioid Users Can’t Overdose
The truth: Tolerance doesn’t equal safety.
Long-term opioid users may take higher doses to get the same effect, but even experienced users can miscalculate and overdose — especially if the drug is stronger than expected or laced with fentanyl.
Myth #2: A Cold Shower Can Reverse an Opioid Overdose
The truth: Cold water won’t restore breathing.
Opioid overdoses cause respiratory depression, meaning breathing slows or stops. A cold shower won’t reverse this — and lowering body temperature can make the situation worse.
Myth #3: Injecting Salt Water or Milk Will Stop an Overdose
The truth: This is dangerous and ineffective.
Injecting substances like salt water or milk can cause serious harm, including cardiac arrest. The only proven medication to reverse an opioid overdose is naloxone (Narcan).
Myth #4: Inducing Vomiting Helps During an Opioid Overdose
The truth: This can cause choking.
If someone is overdosing, giving them something to drink or trying to make them vomit can block their airway and lead to suffocation.
Myth #5: Calling 911 for an Overdose Will Get You Arrested
The truth: You are legally protected.
All 50 U.S. states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call for help in an overdose situation. Fear of legal trouble should never stop you from calling 911.
The Role of Fentanyl in Opioid Overdose Deaths
Fentanyl — a synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine — is now a leading cause of fatal overdoses. It’s cheap, potent, and often mixed into other drugs without the buyer’s knowledge.
- Just 2 milligrams (the size of a few grains of salt) can be deadly.
- Around 46% of fatal overdoses involve fentanyl.
This is why carrying and knowing how to use naloxone is critical. Many communities now offer free training and kits to the public.
How Design for Change Recovery Treats Opioid Addiction
At Design for Change Recovery, we know the best way to prevent opioid overdoses is to treat opioid addiction at its source.
Our individualized programs may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Individual and group counseling
- Family therapy and support services
- Holistic approaches to healing mind and body
We offer inpatient, outpatient, and extended care programs, and we work with most insurance providers. For those without insurance, we help explore other financial arrangements.
📞 Call us today at (855) 997-1372 to start building your recovery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Overdoses
1. Can you overdose the first time you use opioids?
Yes. Opioids can slow breathing to dangerous levels even in first-time users, especially if the dose is high or the drug contains fentanyl.
2. Does naloxone work on all opioids?
Naloxone reverses the effects of most opioids, but multiple doses may be needed for stronger synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
3. Are prescription opioids safer than street drugs?
No. Misusing prescription opioids can be just as deadly as using illicit opioids.
4. Why is fentanyl so deadly?
Fentanyl is extremely potent and often mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge, greatly increasing the risk of overdose.
5. What’s the best way to prevent an opioid overdose?
Avoid opioid misuse, seek treatment if you have a dependence, and carry naloxone if you or someone you know is at risk.
