The Natick Opioid Task Force is committed to assisting community members who are addicted to opioids, which include common prescription painkillers like OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin as well as street drugs like heroin. While we hope that those who struggle with a substance use disorder will find a path to recovery that works for them, recent increases in the numbers of overdoses indicate that we must take steps now to help our friends and neighbors who are not yet ready for treatment or who are in early recovery. Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of a fatal overdose:
- Assume that all street drugs contain fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be lethal in very small amounts.
- Never use alone. Make a plan with a plan with a friend about what each of you will do if the other person overdoses.
- Make sure to have Narcan (a.k.a. Naloxone) handy. This nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose.
- If you are at high risk of witnessing or experiencing an overdose (i.e., you are in recovery, are actively using opioids or are the family member of someone with a history of opioid addiction), you can get Narcan for free from:
- Program RISE at Justice Resource Institute (JRI)
Grant Street (Suite 100), Framingham
508-935-2963 - Learn to Cope Meetings, Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00 PM (weekly)
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
354 Waverly Street, Framingham (3rd Floor Conference Room C on right)
www.learn2cope.org
- Program RISE at Justice Resource Institute (JRI)
- Anyone in the general public can request Narcan at local pharmacies (prescription co-pays apply). Call ahead of time to make sure that the pharmacy has Narcan in stock and that a pharmacist can train you when you go to pick it up.
- If you are at high risk of witnessing or experiencing an overdose (i.e., you are in recovery, are actively using opioids or are the family member of someone with a history of opioid addiction), you can get Narcan for free from:
- Do not mix substances. Mixing opioids with substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Klonopin and Valium) is particularly risky.
- Use less after any period of abstinence or decreased use. Individuals leaving treatment, hospitalization or incarceration are at particular risk of overdose. Even a few days away could lower your tolerance.
- If you are going to use, do not lock doors behind you. Locked doors can prevent help from getting to you quickly.
- If you care about someone who has struggled with an opioid use disorder, check in on them by phone or text. Share information with them about how to keep themselves safe, and let them know that you care about them.
More information about the most effective ways to reduce the risk of an overdose, go to www.mass.gov/maketherightcall. For more information, please contact Katie Sugarman at 508-647-6623 or csugarman@natickma.org.