Education & Information

Opioid Use Disorder, or OUD, is a health condition that happens when someone has trouble controlling their use of opioids. Even though some opioids are prescribed by a doctor, using them too much - or using illegal opioids - can lead to this disorder.

Common signs of OUD include:

• Feeling sick or shaky when not taking opioids (withdrawal)
• Using opioids more often or in larger amounts than planned
• Strong cravings, even when opioids cause problems
• Feeling very sleepy or having changes in sleep
• Losing weight or interest in sex
• Pulling away from family and friends or repeated conflicts
   

OUD is a serious but treatable condition. There are many ways to get help and start recovery.

An overdose happens when someone takes too much of an opioid, and the drug overwhelms the body. Opioids affect the part of the brain that controls breathing. When too much is taken, breathing can slow down or stop. This can cause the brain to lose oxygen, which may lead to brain damage or even death.

Common signs of an overdose include:

• The person is unconscious and doesn’t wake up 
• Slow, weak, or no breathing or pulse
• Fingertips and lips look blue or gray
• Skin feels cold and clammy
   

If you think someone is having an overdose, call 911 right away. If you have Naloxone (Narcan), give it to them as soon as possible. Try to keep the person breathing by giving rescue breaths or CPR until help arrives.

Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different drugs and drug forms. Test strips provide important information about fentanyl in the illegal drug supply so communities and people who use drugs can take steps to reduce risk of overdose. 

The DEA has reported that over 6 in 10 illicit pills are laced with fentanyl. It's commonly found in other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and pills from non-medical sources. 

Fentanyl can only be detected through test strips, and is impossible to be detected by sight, smell, or taste. Knowing if the drugs you plan to use contain fentanyl can lower your risk of overdose. 

Learn more about fentanyl test strips and how to use them here. You can request them from us here.

An opioid overdose happens when the drugs slow down or stop a person’s breathing. This is because opioids attach to certain parts of the brain that control breathing. Naloxone  works by attaching to those same parts of the brain and blocking the opioids. This helps the person start breathing normally again.

Watch a video about how Naloxone works.

Naloxone does not affect someone who isn’t having an opioid overdose. It’s also been shown to be safe for people who may have used other types of drugs.

There are two main types of naloxone: a nasal spray and a shot. The nasal spray is easier to use and more common. The shot works faster, but it needs more skill and preparation to use.

Naloxone acts quickly and is very effective, but it only lasts for 30 to 90 minutes. That means the overdose can return after that time. It’s important to stay with the person and call for emergency help. If the person shows signs of overdose again, give another dose. 

Naloxone will have no side effects for many people. People who use opioids often and are physically dependent may have withdrawal symptoms after receiving naloxone. These symptoms can include headaches, sweating, feeling sick to the stomach, vomiting, shaking, fast heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure. Some people may wake up and seem confused, angry, or upset because of these effects. 

It is important to space naloxone doses out by 2-3 minutes, with rescue breathing in-between doses. This helps reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal and gives the naloxone a few minutes to work.