#prevent overdose

💜Test your drugs using fentanyl test strips

Fentanyl is stronger and faster-acting than other opioids. Using fentanyl or a substance that contains fentanyl increases the risk of overdose. The risk of overdose is even higher if fentanyl is present in a non-opioid drug (such as cocaine) and the person taking it does not usually use opioids. Fentanyl overdoses require immediate medical attention. If you witness an overdose, call 911 and administer naloxone, a safe medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Signs of an opioid overdose include: 🔹Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness 🔹Slow or stopped breathing 🔹Blue, gray or white lips or fingernails 🔹Snoring or gurgling sounds Overdoses that involve fentanyl might also have additional symptoms, including: 🔸Stiff, rigid or wooden-like jaw, chest or torso 🔸Slow or irregular heartbeat 🔸Seizure-like symptoms, such as jerking limbs and muscle spasms To find naloxone near you, call 888-NYC-WELL or visit nyc.gov/naloxone.

Learn more about how to reduce risk and prevent overdose.

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that increases the risk of overdose and is driving record numbers of overdose deaths in New York City. Fentanyl is present in nearly all heroin. It is also found in cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, ketamine and pills from nonmedical sources. Some New Yorkers who use drugs may not know that fentanyl is in their drugs and they are at risk. We can prevent overdose deaths by learning the signs and symptoms of overdose and how to respond. Signs of overdose include: 🔹Not responding 🔹Slowed or stopped breathing 🔹Blue, gray or white lips or fingertips 🔹Snoring or gurgling sounds 🔹Stiff, rigid or wooden-like jaw, chest or torso 🔹Slow or uneven heartbeat 🔹Seizure-like symptoms such as jerking limbs and muscle spasms Naloxone (or Narcan) is a safe and easy-to-use medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. You can get naloxone at no cost. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/naloxone to find out how.

COVID-19 has forced us all to spend more time alone. Time alone can get to all of us, but for someone who uses drugs, using alone increases the risk of overdose death. To prevent overdose: 🔹 Avoid using alone. Try to use with someone else and take turns using. If it is not possible to use with someone, consider calling the “Never Use Alone” hotline at 800-484-3731. 🔹 Plan ahead. Create an overdose safety plan with someone who knows you are going to use. 🔹 Use less than you normally would and go slow. 🔹 Carry naloxone and leave it somewhere visible each time you use. 🔹 Avoid mixing drugs, including alcohol. If possible, use only one drug at a time.