Harm Reduction
Harm reduction refers to any policy or practice that reduces the harms associated with risky behaviors. Currently we exist in a system where using drugs is inherently risky given the unregulated nature of the drug supply.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction refers to any policy or practice that reduces the harms associated with risky behaviors. Currently we exist in a system where using drugs is inherently risky given the unregulated nature of the drug supply.
If you do choose to use, check out our tips for reducing harm...
Test your drugs with test strips or reagents (provided by HRCOC and available online here). For more robust drug testing check out Outside In.
Start slow with low doses to see how a drug effects you. Even if you've taken something before, the drug supply is unpredictable and no two samples will be the same.
Try not to use alone but if you are going to consider calling Safe Spot or Never Use Alone
Carry naloxone for your friends and people you encounter in the community. Get it for free here. Learn how to use it here
Access to safer drug use resources such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and sterile use supplies
Access to educational materials on drug effects, safer ways to use drugs, and reasonable doses based on tolerance
Knowledge on how to recognize and respond to drug related emergencies
The ability to provide additional mental health and recovery resources if people decide they need them
Community love and support!
HRCOC provides naloxone, drug testing equipment such as fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields, and drug related educational materials. We also connect students with off campus organizations that can provide them with other safer use supplies and if they are interested, recovery resources.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid drugs including reversing respiratory depression that causes opioid overdose. Reach out to us on Instagram to get it or request it through NextDistro and learn how to use it here!
Test strips are used to detect the presence of a particular drug in a sample of a drug intended for use. They are used as a protective measure against drug overdose and as a way to get a better sense of what is in the drug.
We have both fentanyl and xylazine test strips. Anyone is welcome to take fentanyl test strips as we have an abundance of them. However, we only offer xylazine test strips to those who are using opioids or those who explicitly ask for them as it is extremely unlikely for xylazine to end up in a non opioid sample in this current drug climate.
Watch this video to learn how to use fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
Overdose Hotlines allow you to be on the phone with someone while you use drugs if you plan to use alone. They help prevent overdose deaths by calling EMS for you if you overdose while on the phone with them.
Here are a couple that we recommend
SafeSpot Overdose Hotline - https://safe-spot.me/
Never Use Alone Hotline - https://neverusealone.com/