Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

 

Practical Strategies

  • Be aware of fentanyl. Opioids are powerful drugs and most people who misuse them get them from illicit suppliers who can’t (or won’t) verify the purity of their product and whether or not fentanyl is in the drugs they are selling. Current data shows that meth is being mixed at 40% fentanyl to meth. It is in other drugs and your supplier may not be aware that it has been laced with fentanyl. Always test. Test strips are readily available at local providers. Be aware as well that there are other chemicals being used in these products that will not test on fentanyl testing strips. Powdered fentanyl can be made to look like other drugs. It is often pressed into pills that look exactly like prescription pills, such as Percocet or Xanax.
  • Never use drugs alone: It's important to have someone with you who can help in case there's an overdose and knows how to use Narcan. If you don't have Narcan on hand, call 911 right away and start rescue breathing.
  • If you are by yourself: Call the Never Use Alone Support line at 1-800-484-3731 before using, and make sure someone can check on you just in case.
  • Use cautiously: If you haven't used opioids in 3 days or more, your tolerance will have decreased so you'll need a smaller amount than the last time you used. After even short periods of abstinence from opioids, you are at a higher risk for overdosing when you return to using.
  • In case of overdose: Perform rescue breathing, call 911, and administer Narcan to save lives.

 

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone (Narcan) is an easy-to-use medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. It’s lifesaving, not addictive, and available at no cost to anyone in Michigan. Anyone can become an overdose first responder with proper training.

  • 30 Second Naloxone Training video: CLICK HERE
  • Individuals are also protected from civil liability in administering naloxone and from some criminal charges when seeking emergency medical services in a suspected overdose situation, as outlined in Michigan’s Good Samaritan Law: CLICK HERE
  • Google Map of Narcan Vending Machines: CLICK HERE
  • Bulk Orders for Organizations, Companies, Jails, etc.: CLICK HERE
  • MDHHS Naloxone Information: CLICK HERE
  • Free Narcan and Naloxone in MI: CLICK HERE

 

OpiRescue App QR Code

Smartphone app that provides information on how to respond to an opioid overdose, locate treatment providers, and locate pharmacies that have Narcan.​​​​​

 

 

Syringe Service Programs: How do they work?

  • Programs provide low-barrier access to sterile supplies for safer substance use, naloxone, and overdose prevention tools like fentanyl test strips and drug checking services.
  • Google Map of Michigan Syringe Services programs: CLICK HERE
  • Find a Syringe Service Program Near Me: CLICK HERE

 

Other Harm Reduction Resources:

  • For information regarding wound care, Hepatitis C/HIV testing, safer injecting, sexual and reproductive health:  CLICK HERE
  • For information regarding safer smoking: CLICK HERE
  • For information regarding Naloxone Safety Advice: CLICK HERE
  • For information regarding Drug Use Anti-Stigma: CLICK HERE
  • Overdose Prevention Engagement Network (OPEN) : CLICK HERE
  • Helpful Links & Resources for People Who Are Using Drugs: CLICK HERE 
  • Harm Reduction Resources in Michigan: CLICK HERE
  • Find Referrals for Basic Needs (shelter, food, clothing) by Searching 2-1-1: CLICK HERE