“Evergreen” content that’s meant to educate. Not usually time-bound.
The Tri-County members of the California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN) have put together this stunning Let’s Talk booklet as a tool to help middle school children and their caregivers have productive conversations about mental health, substance use, and navigating life as a youth in the modern age. Let’s Talk is available for free in English […]
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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used in medical settings to treat severe and chronic pain, like pain caused from cancer or serious injuries. It reduces feelings of pain and causes feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Because of its high potency and risk for addiction and overdose, fentanyl is a highly regulated and
Answering Common Questions About Fentanyl Read More »
In March 2023, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a public safety alert warning of the mass distribution of fentanyl mixed with a new substance on the market: Xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is used as a veterinary sedative in animals such as horses and cattle and is not approved for use in humans. While it’s been in the United States for several years, it has recently entered the California drug supply, resulting in over 7,000 deaths in the state since 2021.
What Is Xylazine and What Can I Do To Keep My Patients Safe? Read More »
Naloxone (aka Narcan) is a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist, which means that it inhibits the effects of opioids like heroin, morphine, and fentanyl by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. The effects of naloxone are temporary and wear off in 30-90
What Is Naloxone and How Do I Use It? Read More »
Witnessing an overdose can be scary, especially if it’s someone you care about. The most important thing is to not panic. Take a deep breath and remember you have the power to help. What Does an Opioid Overdose Look Like? An opioid overdose can cause a range of symptoms depending on the person and the
How to Tell (And What to Do) If Someone Is Overdosing Read More »
Buprenorphine (or bup) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic pain or addiction to opioids like heroin. It is also known by its brand names, Suboxone® and Subutex®. Bup is typically administered by dissolving a pill or film strip under your tongue. If taking medication daily is hard for you, bup is also available
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Many overdose deaths are preventable but the fear of being arrested can keep people from calling emergency services for help. California, like many other states, have special laws in place to make sure people feel safe to call 911 when someone overdoses. This is called a Good Samaritan Law. California’s 911 Good Samaritan law, AB-472,
What Is the California State Good Samaritan Law? Read More »
Studies have shown that there are things parents can do to reduce the likelihood that their children will experiment with drugs or alcohol. You may do many of these things already: Eating dinner as a family, taking an interest in what interests them, and getting to know their friends are all so-called protective factors. Having
How to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs Read More »
Harm reduction is a way to help people be safer when they do things that could be dangerous, like using drugs. It tries to reduce the bad things that can happen by meeting people where they are instead of telling people to stop doing what they’re doing. Fentanyl is extremely potent and it can be
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CCODP believes in the practice of harm reduction. We provide this information to keep those who use substances as safe as possible. Preparing Your Foil Prepare a rectangular piece of aluminum foil. Smooth it out as much as possible. If your foil is crumpled, lay it out on a flat surface and smooth it with
Harm Reduction: Safely Using Foil to Smoke Read More »
