Articles

Be careful of “Stranger Supplies” – assume that any pill or drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl. That goes for prescription medications like Xanax or Oxycodone, as well as illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth.

Find out more:

University of Colorado Boulder
Fentanyl Facts

Invest in fentanyl test strips – these can be found online and sometimes organizations that serve drug users may even provide these for free; so check out your local harm reduction resources

Make a safety plan – is there a trusted individual available to be around while you use? Did you test your supply? Are you rotating injection sites? Did you clean your drug paraphernalia? Have you eaten well and hydrated beforehand? Do you and/or your person have narcan easily + readily available to use if needed? How is your tolerance – do you need to adjust how much and how frequently you are using?

Narcan will not harm someone who is not overdosing—when in doubt use it!

Learn how to use it here.

Check with your Tribal Clinic or School Nurse.

Also, in most states, you can get naloxone at your local pharmacy without a prescription, or from naloxone programs or syringe service programs.

Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Limp body
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

What to do

1. Call 911 Immediately (or your local hospital if 911 is not available)
2. Administer naloxone, if available
3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing
4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives

Just so you know, most States have laws that protect people who call 911 AND the person who is overdosing. If someone needs help, call for help.