Anyone that takes opioids can be at risk for an overdose, including:
- Anyone using high doses combined with another prescription.
- Children and the elderly
- Anyone resuming opioid use after a prolonged period of abstention (e.g. completion of detoxification, release from incarceration, cessation of treatment)
- People using prescription opioids without medical supervision
- Those using a combination of opioids with alcohol, other substances, and/or medicines that inhibit respiratory function (e.g some pain medications, anesthetics, or benzodiazepines)