Opioid Users    Not in Treatment

Opioid Users Not in Treatment

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How will you keep from getting sick in the case of an emergency?

Several million Americans currently use opioids either on their own or under a doctor’s care. Increasingly, we live under threat of natural disasters, emergencies, and even terrorist attacks which can greatly impact those requiring regular medications or living with substance use disorders. These vulnerabilities can be particularly severe among persons who use opioids but are not under a doctor’s supervision, especially if they are dependent on these drugs. In the aftermath of disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, many service agencies, such as syringe exchange programs, and drug treatment centers offering methadone, buprenorphine, and other forms of medication-assisted treatment were disrupted or operated at reduced capacity. In these situations, it can be particularly hard to prevent infections (such as HIV or hepatitis C) and overdose. This site offers basic guidelines, resources, and suggestions to people who use opioids to help them stay safe even during times of hardship and uncertainty.

Recommendations



Sterile Works

If you inject drugs, stockpile clean works to avoid the risk of infection. Wherever possible use only new cottons, cookers, and syringes and only use them once.

Sterilization Techniques

If you're forced to re-use syringes or cookers, consult the guidelines for proper sterilization techniques.


Naloxone Overdose (OD) Reversal Kit

In emergency situations, risk of overdose is heightened. Be sure to acquire and carry a naloxone overdose reversal kit and consult state-by-state information about obtaining naloxone and information about administering it.

Find a Buddy

Consider using the buddy system. Emergency medical attention can be slow or non-existent during disasters and emergencies. Try to never use alone and to make sure your buddy carries naloxone too.

Test Shots

Always do test shots. Particularly when regular supplies are disrupted, you should never take your full dose without first testing. Many overdoses are currently caused by fentanyl-contamination, raising the risks of overdose even further.

Resources

Harm Reduction Coalition

The Harm Reduction Coalition is a national advocacy and capacity-building organization that works to promote the health and dignity of individuals and communities who are impacted by drug use.

Prevention Point Pittsburgh

Prevention Point Pittsburgh is a harm reduction organization and the only county-approved syringe exchange program in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition

NCHRC is dedicated to the implementation of harm reduction interventions, public health strategies, drug policy transformation, and justice reform in North Carolina and throughout the American South.

Chicago Recovery Alliance

The Chicago Recovery Alliance offers harm reduction guidelines, information on safer injection, and overdose prevention resources.

NY Harm Reduction Educators

NY Harm Reduction Educators offers syringe exchange, overdose prevention resources, and supportive counseling and family stabilization, outreach/education, and HIV & HEP C testing.

Drug Policy Alliance

Join the Drug Policy Alliance in their efforts to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug use and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies.