Overdose Prevention

Individuals at higher risk for fatal drug overdose include people who mix different types of drugs or mix drugs with alcohol, who have had a prior non-fatal overdose, who use alone, who are older, who have a compromised immune system, and those experiencing a rapid decrease in tolerance from situations such as hospitalization, incarceration, and detoxification.

You can save lives and stop drug overdose by:

• Knowing the signs of an overdose:  

  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness 

  • Doesn’t respond to stimuli like shouting, a pinch, or sternum rub

  • Slow, weak, or no breathing 

  • Choking or gurgling sounds 

  • Limp body 

  • Cold or clammy skin 

  • Discolored skin (especially on lips and nails)  

  • ​​​​Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” ​

• Carrying Narcan (naloxone). Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan is safe and easy to use and works almost immediately. It is now available over the counter, without a prescription, at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, as well as online.

• Knowing what’s in your drugs. Using test strips to look for fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines.

• Never using alone. Make sure the people around you are aware when you have taken drugs, in case they need to give you naloxone or call for emergency assistance.

• Having regular conversations with teens, young people, and loved ones about the risks associated with fentanyl and mixing drugs and how to help respond to an overdose to reduce the stigma around seeking help, treatment, and care.

• Ask for help if you’re ready to get treatment for your addiction. Recovery from substance use disorders is possible—it’s okay to ask for help. You can find evidence-based treatment and service options near you by visiting findtreatment.gov or calling the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357). The Partnership Provider Directory (links to doctors, facilities, mental health, pharmacies, and vision care)

• Message the Shasta Substance Use Coalition through the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/ShastaSubstanceUseCoalition as an option for accessing Narcan and training.