What is Harm Reduction?
Opioid addiction can happen in different ways. People who struggle with substance use disorder are not "those people. They're our neighbors. Our coworkers. Our family. And, when they seek help, will they find our support... or judgment? Stigma often prevents people from reaching out for support and treatment.
- The individual has constricted pupils.
- The individual is unresponsive or limp.
- The individual is awake but unable to talk.
- Their breathing is slow or erratic or they are not breathing.
- Their pulse is slow or erratic or they have no pulse.
- Their skin is pale gray or blue, especially around the fingernails and lips.
- They are making deep, slow snoring, choking or gurgling sounds.
- They are vomiting.
Source: DrugfreeCT.org
Naloxone
(Narcan)
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. It's commonly known by the brand name Narcan.
How It Works
- Blocks opioid receptors in the brain
- Reverses effects of opioid overdose and restores breathing
- Temporary effect (30-90 minutes) so it’s important to stay with the person until help arrives.
- It is safe on anyone you suspect has overdosed, even if you don’t know for sure. It cannot cause harm if person hasn't used opioids
How to Respond to an Overdose
- Check for responsiveness (shake shoulders, yell name)
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer naloxone nasal spray
- Stay with person until help arrives
- Be prepared to give second dose if needed
Find Naloxone Near You
71% of adults now support personally
carrying naloxone.
Fentanyl Test Strips
What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are easy-to-use tools that can detect fentanyl in liquid or powder drug samples. Fentanyl is often mixed in with counterfeit pills, cocaine and other drugs without a person knowing. It is incredibly potent– It only takes 2 mg, which is smaller than the tip of a pencil, to cause a fatal overdose.
How to Use
- Mix small amount of substance with water
- Dip test strip for 15 seconds
- Wait 2-5 minutes for results
- One line = fentanyl detected; Two lines = no fentanyl detected
Find Fentanyl Test Strips Near You
Support Growing: 73% of adults support increasing
access to fentanyl test strips.
Syringe Exchange Programs
Services Provided
- Clean syringes and injection equipment
- Safe disposal of used supplies
- HIV and hepatitis testing
- Overdose prevention education
- Naloxone distribution
- Referrals to treatment and social services
Health Benefits
- Reduces transmission of blood-borne infections
- Decreases unsafe injection practices
- Connects people to healthcare and treatment
- Reduces community needle litter