Harm Reduction

Simply put, harm reduction is reducing the potential harm from actions that we take. Some ways that this can look in everyday life is wearing a life vest, using seatbelts, wearing protective gear during sports, and so much more.

In the context of drug use, harm reduction aims to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use (National Harm Reduction Coalition). Importantly, harm reduction is also a social justice movement “built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs” (National Harm Reduction Coalition).

Why is it Important?

Harm reduction saves lives! It’s not just a catchy phrase – it’s true. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach to drug use.

How Do We Put Harm Reduction into Action?

graphic of fentanyl testing strip for a harm Reduction effort

Check your drugs!
Fentanyl is a real risk.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that comes in pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical forms. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Many individuals consume fentanyl unknowingly (because they do not realize that it is in a product they’re using), while others intentionally use fentanyl because of its potency. Illicit fentanyl is sweeping the street drug supply and can be in many different drugs. Some folks might think that they are safe from fentanyl because they don’t use injection drugs, and this is not true! Drugs like cocaine, MDMA (molly/ecstasy), and generally any pill/powder that you didn’t get from a pharmacy can contain fentanyl or be pure fentanyl.

Fentanyl test strips are not fool-proof, but they can be helpful to see if there is fentanyl in your drugs. Test strips can tell you if your drugs contain fentanyl but not how much fentanyl there is or how strong it is.

Don’t Use Alone

If possible, try not to use alone. It’s good to have other people with you if something goes wrong!

Go Slow

You can always do more, but you can’t do less.

Carry Naloxone and Know How to Use It

Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. Naloxone can be administered through a nasal spray (also called Narcan) or intra-muscular injection.

How Naloxone Saves Lives in Opioid Overdose

Signs of an Overdose

Slow, weak, or no breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, discolored skin (around mouth and hands), vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, no response to stimuli, limp body, unable to speak, and pinpoint pupils.

If Someone is Overdosing

1.
Check for breathing and try to wake the person up (sternum rub or calling out to them)

2.
Call 911!

3.
Start rescue breathing – one breath every five seconds for 30 seconds

4.
Administer naloxone if available

5.
Stay with the person and prop them up on their side (in the recovery position)

Good Samaritan (Good Sam) Laws:

Good Sam laws that create immunities or other legal protections for people who call for help in the event of an overdose. This means that if you or your friends call 911 for help with an overdose you have protections!

If someone is overdosing and you seek medical help for them, neither of you can be arrested or prosecuted for: