1-800-484-3731Assessment Map
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Harm reduction is a non-judgmental approach that does not require that someone quits using before receiving support and does not promote abstinence (not using at all) as the only option. Harm reduction focuses on positive change, and working with people in a way that is non-judgmental or based in coercion or discrimination.
Harm reduction consists of policies and resources that can help lessen the negative effects and consequences of certain behaviors, such as opioid use. Below you will find resources that fall under this.
Safer Injection Practices-for a full overview, you can go here.
Use a clean surface
Always use sterile water
Reduce the risk of overdosing by not using alone or using in areas that are less secluded
Always carry Narcan with you
Dispose of your syringes in a way that won’t be hazardous to others, such as carrying your own biohazard bags or thick plastic containers
Use a new syringe each time
If you have to re-use it, clean it by drawing up clean water and shaking it. Do this three times. Then do this three more times with bleach. Lastly, draw up clean water and shake it, again three times to get the bleach out.
Never share the items you use, such as water, ties, cookers, spoons, sets, or points.
Use an alcohol prep-pad before using
These programs can help connect you to syringes, help you dispose of them, connect you to treatment when you are ready, provide testing, and provide sterile equipment.
Survival Strategies While Using Drugs Alone from People Who Use Drugs
• Before using, if you have someone you trust, ask them to check in on you periodically
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid-antagonist that can be used for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. It has recently been approved as an over-the-counter treatment. Narcan cost can vary depending on the pharmacy that you go to. Good Rx is a good resource to use to reduce the cost of prescriptions.
You can also get it for free through multiple organizations, including NextDistro and further resources on how to get it for free through programs and insurance are available at More Resources. See the overdose section for more information on Narcan.
Some of the harm reduction resources we have given help reduce the risk of getting wounds, such as not sharing syringes, using syringes once, and using sterile equipment. To prevent wounds, it is best to rotate injection sites, and to clean your injection sites. You don’t have to wait for something to develop into a wound. If your skin feels hot, raised, and tender, seek out medical services as soon as possible.
If you develop a wound, act fast and early either by working with a Syringe Service Program (SSP), urgent care, or other medical professionals.
Keep the wound clean. If you start to develop a fever, chills, or pain, then seek medical attention immediately
Xylazine is a common additive to opioids right now and can cause wounds, especially necrosis, or rotting of human tissue. If you notice a wound forming, visit the nearest emergency room, urgent care, or medical facility as soon as possible. For more information, check the link below.
Drug checking is also an important part of reducing harm. Drug checking can help you assess what might be in the drugs you bought and how to best prepare for using it.
One way to do this is by getting fentanyl test strips. These give good overviews on what fentanyl test strips are and how to use them.
You can get them from your local health department, a syringe exchange program or SSPs, and other community-based organisations. You can also buy them online at the following links:
Asking Syringe Service Programs near you about other drug testing services is always beneficial as well
There are programs that use other sophisticated devices for drug checking. If you want more information, check out the resources below.
Along with this website where you can search your location, or even a drug, and see what the samples are like.
There are also apps that you can utilize when using alone or with others, such as the Brave app
You can also call the “Never Use Alone” hotline at 1-800-484-3731, for more information visit their website
Welcome to the MOUD Hub. If you need help figuring out where to start, follow this quick assessment.
