Stay well.
Harm Reduction
We know. It’s not easy to stop substance abuse. It’s important to stay safe no
matter what. There are tools you can use to help.
About Harm Reduction
Harm reduction acknowledges that an individual may not be ready to stop their substance use. A harm reduction approach focuses on preventing harm rather than preventing substance use itself.
There’s no judgment: all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It’s the quality of life that matters.
Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) integrates FDA-approved prescription medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.
- This approach helps normalize brain chemistry, alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery journey.
- MAT can help prevent and reduce opioid death from overdose and can significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification.
- The right combination of medication and counseling can help you recover.
Start on that journey today.
In the Community
Narcan FACTS vs MYTHS
Giving people access to Naloxone just encourages drug use.
This is a myth. There is no evidence to suggest Naloxone has promoted drug use. In fact, Naloxone can cause unpleasant opioid withdrawal symptoms in a person which is a deterrent for substance use.. There is no evidence to suggest Naloxone has promoted drug use. In fact, Naloxone can cause unpleasant opioid withdrawal symptoms in a person which is a deterrent for substance use.
People abuse Naloxone.
This is a myth. Naloxone does not create a high and hasno addictive properties.
Everyone should have Naloxone and know how to use it.
This is a fact. Unintentional poisoning from illicit opioid use stands as one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. It’s often overlooked that someone within our circles may be using opioids. Those who overdose could be our family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Whether the overdose stems from accidentally consuming too much or incorrectly taking prescribed medication, or ingesting off-market drugs unknowingly laced with fentanyl, having Naloxone available and knowing how to administer it can mean the difference between life and death.
I need a prescription to carry Naloxone and only a trained medical professional should give Naloxone.
This is a myth. Anyone can purchase and/or carry naloxone. In NYS Naloxone is available over the counter at many pharmacies. Naloxone is easy to use, and medical training is not required.
I’ll get in trouble if I give someone Naloxone and they were not overdosing, or they die, so I’m not going to get it.
This is a myth. Naloxone will not harm someone who does not have opioids in their system. The Good Samaritan law offers legal
protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are, or whom they believe to be injured, ill, in peril, or otherwise incapacitated. In NYS the 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having, or witness, a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care.
Naloxone makes people violent, so I am not going to give someone Naloxone because they will come up swinging and I don’t want to get into a fight.
This is a myth. One of the most common side effects is confusion and disorientation. It is rare for someone to wake up from an overdose and become combative.
