Drugs for Dummies

Wanting to make your weekend outings a lot more safer? Check out our Drugs for Dummies guide for a step-by-step guide on ensuring safe drug use for you and your loved ones. It's always better to be safe than sorry!

WHAT IS SAFER DRUG USE (AND WHY DOES IT MATTER)?

Safer drug use is about lessening the risk of adverse outcomes from using drugs. There are many reasons someone may be using drugs – and there are other factors besides just drug use itself that can put people in harm’s way. This is why we provide resources to contextualize drug use, why people use drugs, and ways to make it safer depending on your situation.

These evidence-based harm reduction strategies are proven to reduce the risk of overdose and infections related to drug use.

FENTANYL USE AND OVERDOSE PROTECTION TIPS

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is a more condensed, more potent opioid, which means that consuming the same amount of heroin and fentanyl may have different impacts on the body based on an individual’s tolerance. Fentanyl is utilized because it is cheap to manufacture, and because a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without their knowledge (because they do not realize that it is in a product they’re using), while others are intentionally using fentanyl because of its potency. It is partly responsible for the current overdose crisis in the U.S., combined with a lack of resources and the criminalization of people who use drugs.

Starting in 2012, there has been a spike in the number of overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This means that if someone (takes/consumes/uses??) an amount of a (substance/drug?) that their body is able to tolerate, it may actually be much stronger than they expect and account for.

This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply are more vital than ever.

Fast Facts About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings for decades and is often described as 80-100 times stronger than morphine, or about 50 times stronger than heroin.
Fentanyl is partly responsible for the current overdose crisis in the U.S., combined with a lack of resources and the criminalization of people who use drugs.
Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in the form of a white, gray or tan powder and can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, and pressed pills.
Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone in the event of an overdose.
You cannot overdose simply by touching powdered fentanyl. This is a common myth, but fentanyl must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. Transdermal fentanyl patches exist and are used primarily in medical settings, but are uniquely formulated to be absorbed by the skin.

Fentanyl Myths: Set the Record Straight

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing. When it appears that someone overdosing is not responding to naloxone it may be because:

the naloxone needs more time to take effect (wait 2-3 mins before administering more naloxone)
they need more than one dose of naloxone (wait 2-3 minutes between doses)
the naloxone was administered after the person had been without oxygen for too long

You cannot overdose simply by touching fentanyl. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. While there are fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation being cut into other substances.

Stay Vigilant and Assume Risk

While fentanyl has a market as a drug being knowingly bought and sold, it is also in other drugs and samples of black tar heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit or pressed pills have tested positive for fentanyl.

The street drug supply has always been unpredictable and inconsistent. Assume overdose risk no matter what drug you’re using, and practice as much harm reduction as possible, as consistently as possible: Go slow. Use less. Test your product. If you’re using alone, double down on other strategies. Have someone check on you. Smoke or snort instead of inject. If you’re using in a group, stagger your use so someone is always alert. Know the signs of an overdose. Carry naloxone and know how to use it. Look out for each other!

Using Fentanyl

Remember: Fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin. That means the margin of error when using fentanyl is much smaller than when using heroin, so adjust your dose accordingly. Start off using less and/or slower!

Think about it like this: Imagine breaking down a gram of heroin into 50 separate shots. Now imagine that just one of those shots (less than half of a half of a point-bag) was as strong as a full gram shot. That’s how strong fentanyl is.

Wooden/Rigid Chest Syndrome

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and fentanyl analogues can sometimes cause seizure-like symptoms immediately after use that can include: Muscle spasming, locked limbs, and a rigid chest that can prevent a person from breathing properly.

Not everyone experiences these symptoms and it doesn’t happen every time.

Should you witness these symptoms, respond like you would to an overdose: Administer a dose of naloxone every two minutes and do your best to breathe for the person! Naloxone works, and should relieve symptoms in 2-3 minutes!

Reducing Overdose Risk

You can use any drug safely, including fentanyl and its analogues, as long as you have the right resources.

Use slow and use less. A little goes a long way with fentanyl (compared to heroin) and overdoses can occur quickly, sometimes before a person has finished injecting the dose.
Try snorting or smoking instead of injecting. Injecting carries the highest risk for overdose, so shifting to snorting or smoking may help reduce risk. A person can still overdose by smoking or snorting, especially with fentanyl, so start slow.
Space out doses. Take time between doses because fentanyl acts fast and is different for everyone, depending on dose and tolerance.
Practice extra caution when using alone. We’re safer together, but it’s not always possible to be with a friend you trust. Try to have someone you know check on you if you have to use alone so they can intervene in the event of an overdose.
In a group? Stagger your use. Make sure someone is always alert and that at least one person has naloxone on them.
Test it. Knowing what’s in drugs can help with the decision of how much and how best to use them.
Always carry naloxone. Be familiar with the signs of an overdose and be prepared to respond with naloxone.
Listen to your body. Overall health impacts overdose risk. Hydrate, eat, and rest as much as possible.

RESPONDING TO AN OPIOD OVERDOSE

**IF SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY**

Is someone overdosing? The most important thing is to act right away!

It is rare for someone to die immediately from an overdose – it is usually a slowish process that takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. When people survive, it’s because someone was there to respond.

If someone is overdosing, they will be 1) not breathing and 2) not responsive. Below are the immediate steps you want to take in the event of an opioid overdose.

If someone is not breathing (skin turning blue/gray, pinpoint pupils, deep gurgling sound) and not responsive, follow these steps. You’ll find more info on each of these steps below.

STEP 1. Stimulate them awake by yelling their name and administering a hard sternum rub to the chest plate.

STEP 2. If you have naloxone/Narcan, use it. Administer one dose every two minutes.

Injectable: Draw up entire vial and inject into thigh muscle (must be muscle’ed to work)
Nasal: Stick the device all the way up one nostril and click the plunger, make sure the device is inserted fully (medication will absorb through the sinuses)

STEP 3. Call 911, explain someone is not responsive and not breathing

STEP 4. Provide rescue breathing

Get the person on their back, tip their head back to straighten the airway, pinch their nose, put your mouth over theirs and form a seal, one breath every five seconds

STEP 5. When the person starts to breathe regularly on their own, roll them into a recovery position on their side

STEP 6. Be gentle with them and yourself afterwards!

Assessment & Stimulation

If you are unsure if the person is overdosing, there are obvious signs you can assess.

Is the person breathing?
Is the person responsive?
Do they answer when you ‘shake and shout’ their name?
Can the person speak?
How is their skin color (especially lips and fingertips)?

Stimulate the person

If the person is unconscious or in a heavy nod, try to stimulate them awake through verbal and/or physical stimulation.

Verbal Stimulation

Call his or her name and/or say something that they might not want to hear, like “I’m going to call 911” or “I’m going to give you naloxone.”

Sternal Rub – Photo: N.O.M.A.D (Not One More Anonymous Death)

Physical Stimulation

If this does not work, try to stimulate him or her with pain to wake them up.

rub your knuckles into the sternum (the place in the middle of your chest where your ribs meet)
rub your knuckles on their upper lip.
pinch the back of their arm.

If this causes the person to wake up try to get him or her to focus. Can they speak to you? Check their breathing. If this is shallow or the person tells you they have shortness of breath, or chest tightness call 911. Continue to monitor them, especially the breathing and pulse and try to keep him or her awake and alert.
If the person DOES NOT respond to stimulation and remains unconscious or the condition appears to get worse, do NOT try a different or alternative form of stimulation. Treat this as an emergency and call for help!

2. Call for Help!

It is recommended that you call 911 in the case of an overdose because it is important to have trained medical professionals assess the condition of the overdosing person.

Even though naloxone can fix the overdose, there may be other health problems going on. Also, people who survive any type of overdose are at risk of experiencing other health complications as a result of the OD, such as pneumonia and heart problems. Getting someone to be checked out by a medical professional is an important part of reducing the harms associated with overdosing.

What to Say to 911

What to say when calling 911 depends on the local emergency response to overdoses. In every community, it is important to report that the person’s breathing has slowed or stopped, he or she is unresponsive, and give the exact location. If Naloxone was given and it did not work, tell the dispatcher this.

In many communities, the police respond along with the ambulance to all 911 calls. In some communities, when the police respond they do not arrest the bystander or victim at the scene of an overdose. However, in other places the police do arrest people at the scene of the overdose, and have been known to charge people with everything from drug possession, to manslaughter (if the overdosing person dies and the bystander is proven to be the supplier of drugs). The fear of arrest and police involvement is substantial. Agencies should try to learn from participants what the real risk is and work with police and emergency personnel to address the fear of arrest and police involvement.

When making the call:

Tell the dispatcher exactly where you and the overdosing person are. Give them as much information as possible so that they can find you (i.e. 3rd floor, or in the bathroom).
Avoid using words like drugs or overdose—stick to what you see: “Not breathing, turning blue, unconscious, non-responsive, etc.” This makes the call a priority.

When the paramedics arrive, tell them what you know about what drugs the person may have been using—as much information as possible. If the paramedics suspect opioids, they will give the victim an injection or intranasal dose of naloxone.

Keep loud noise in background to a minimum—if it sounds chaotic, they will surely dispatch police to secure the scene and protect the paramedics

Put the Person in the Recovery Position

If you have to leave the person at all, even for a minute to phone 911, make sure you put them in the Recovery Position.

Lay the person slightly on their side
Bend their knee
Turn their face to the side.
This will help to keep their airway clear and prevent them from choking on their own vomit if they begin to throw-up.

Recovery Position – Photo: N.O.M.A.D (Not One More Anonymous Death)

If Calling 911 is Not an Option

If calling 911 is not an option (some people will not call), it is important to make some alternate plans if your rescue attempts are not working. Can someone else in the vicinity call? Could you provide rescue breathing, naloxone, and put the person in the recovery position and then leave to alert someone to call, even a passerby? Leave the person where they can be found, with doors unlocked and/or open.

Remember, doing something is better than doing nothing.

3. Administer Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that counters the effects of an opioid overdose. It is available as both a nasal spray and an injectable.

REMEMBER! Naloxone only works if there are opioids involved with the OD. It cannot reverse an OD of cocaine, speed, benzos, alcohol or other non-opioid based drugs.

How to Give Nasal Spray Naloxone

Nasal Naloxone – Photo: N.O.M.A.D (Not One More Anonymous Death)

Do rescue breathing for a few quick breaths if the person is not breathing.
Affix the nasal atomizer (applicator) to the needleless syringe and then assemble the glass cartridge of naloxone (see diagram).
Tilt the head back and spray half of the naloxone up one side of the nose (1cc) and half up the other side of the nose (1cc).
If there is no breathing or breathing continues to be shallow, continue to perform rescue breathing for them while waiting for the naloxone to take effect.

If there is no change in 3-5 minutes, administer another dose of naloxone and continue to breathe for them. If the second dose of naloxone does not revive them, something else is wrong—either it has been too long and the heart has already stopped, there are no opioids in their system, or the opioids are unusually strong and require more naloxone (can happen with Fentanyl, for example).

How to Administer Injectable Naloxone

Injectable naloxone comes packaged in several different forms- a multi dose 10 mL vial and single dose 1mL flip-top vials with a pop off top. With all formulations of naloxone, it is important to check the expiration date and make sure to keep it from light if it is not stored in a box. If someone has an injectable formulation of naloxone, all of the steps in recognizing and responding to an overdose are the same except how to give the naloxone. To use injectable naloxone:

Do rescue breathing for a few quick breaths if the person is not breathing.
Use a long needle: 1 – 1 ½ inch (called an IM or intramuscular needle)- needle exchange programs and pharmacies have these needles.
Pop off the orange top vial.
Draw up 1cc of naloxone into the syringe 1cc=1mL=100u.
Inject into a muscle – thighs, upper, outer quadrant of the butt, or shoulder are best.
Inject straight in to make sure to hit the muscle.
If there isn’t a big needle, a smaller needle is OK and inject under the skin, but if possible it is better to inject into a muscle.
After injection, continue rescue breathing 2-3 minutes.

If there is no change in 2-3 minutes, administer another dose of naloxone and continue to breathe for them. If the second dose of naloxone does not revive them, something else may be wrong—either it has been too long and the heart has already stopped, there are no opioids in their system, or the opioids are unusually strong and require more naloxone (can happen with Fentanyl, for example).

Once naloxone has been delivered and if the person is not breathing, continued rescue breathing is important until help arrives.

Naloxone only lasts between 30 – 90 minutes, while the effects of the opioids may last much longer. It is possible that after the naloxone wears off the overdose could recur. It is very important that someone stay with the person and wait out the risk period just in case another dose of naloxone is necessary.

Also, naloxone can cause uncomfortable withdrawal feelings since it blocks the action of opioids in the brain. Sometimes people want to use again immediately to stop the withdrawal feelings. This could result in another overdose. Try to support the person during this time period and encourage him or her not to use drugs for a couple of hours.

IMPORTANT!

If a victim is not responsive to stimulation, not breathing, and has no pulse after receiving naloxone and rescue breathing, then the victim needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) via a trained bystander and the emergency medical system. Call 911!

4. Perform Rescue Breathing or Chest Compressions

For a person whose breathing is severely impaired, rescue breathing or chest compressions is one of the most important steps in preventing an overdose death. When someone has extremely shallow and intermittent breathing (around one breath every 5-10 seconds) or has stopped breathing and is unresponsive, rescue breathing should be done as soon as possible because it is the quickest way to get oxygen into someone who has stopped breathing.

If you are performing rescue breathing, you are getting much needed air into someone’s body who will die without it. The difference between survival and death in an opioid overdose depends on how quickly enough oxygen gets into the person’s body.

These are the steps for rescue breathing:

Place the person on their back.
Tilt their chin up to open the airway.
Check to see if there is anything in their mouth blocking their airway, such as gum, toothpick, undissolved pills, syringe cap, cheeked Fentanyl patch (these things have ALL been found in the mouths of overdosing people!). If so, remove it.
Plug their nose with one hand, and give 2 even, regular-sized breaths. Blow enough air into their lungs to make their chest rise. If you don’t see their chest rise out of the corner of your eye, tilt the head back more and make sure you’re plugging their nose.
Breathe again. Give one breath every 5 seconds.

You may have heard that recent CPR guidelines recommend “hands-only CPR,” or only chest compressions instead of rescue breathing and chest compressions. These guidelines are for layperson response to cardiac arrest, and NOT overdose. It is still recommended that you perform rescue breathing for an overdose, where the primary issue is respiratory depression, and not cardiac arrest.

If you are alone with the overdosing person, follow these steps and give the person a few breaths and then put them in the Recovery Position and go get your naloxone kit. If there is more than one of you there to respond to the overdose, DIVIDE DUTIES – have one of you do rescue breathing and the other can go get the naloxone kit. If you don’t have a naloxone kit, continue rescue breathing until help (i.e. the ambulance) arrives. If there’s more than one person present, take turns rescue breathing – it can be exhausting.

5. Aftercare

Because naloxone blocks opioids from acting, it is possible that it can cause withdrawal symptoms in someone that has a habit, daily opioid pain medication use or other opioid tolerance. Therefore, after giving someone naloxone he or she may feel dopesick and want to use again right away. It is very important that one does not use drugs again until the naloxone wears off so that a re-overdose does not occur.

Bystanders who use naloxone often report that it works immediately, however it may take up to 8 minutes to have an effect. Naloxone’s effect lasts for about 30 to 90 minutes in the body. Because most opioids last longer than that, the naloxone may wear off before the effects of the opioids wear off and the person might go into an overdose again. Naloxone administration may be repeated without harm if the person overdoses again. In addition, if the person uses more heroin or opioids when there is still naloxone in the system, he or she may not feel it at all – naloxone will knock it out of the opioid receptors and the person will have wasted their drugs.

The likelihood of overdosing again depends on several things including:

How much drug was used in the first place and the half-life of the drug(s) taken
How well the liver works to process things; and
If the person uses again.

If the person cannot walk and talk well after waking up, then it is very important that they are taken to the hospital. If possible, stay with the person for several hours keeping them awake.