Latest Updates

  • The Xyla-zine: Our newest guide on tackling “Tranq”

    Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” has been sweeping through our community this year, worsening an already worrying overdose crisis in the United States. We have created a simple foldable zine to inform the public about what xylazine is and how to stay safe. The zine is available for free as a pdf, which you can…

  • New: Let’s Talk Booklet for Middle Schoolers

    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…

  • What Is Xylazine and What Can I Do To Keep My Patients Safe?

    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…

  • Grief Recovery Support Networks and Resources

    Grief Recovery Support Networks and Resources

    Note: None of the links below are affiliate links. CCODP does not earn money from anything posted here. If you’d like to support our mission, please donate to our GoFundMe. Websites Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP): A community offering understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and…

  • What Is a Peer Support Specialist (And How Do I Become One)?

    What Is a Peer Support Specialist (And How Do I Become One)?

    It’s common for someone in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) to want to give back to their community or “pay it forward” by helping others. However, it’s not always clear how to do this, where to go, or what kind of training is needed. There are actually several different paths one could take to…

  • [Podcast] Addiction in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care

    Step into the fast-paced world of emergency medicine with Dr. Casey Grover’s podcast, Addiction in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. Dr. Grover is CCODP’s co-founder and Chair of the Division of Emergency Medicine at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Every 6 minutes, an American loses their life to a drug overdose. Every 5 minutes,…

  • [Podcast] The Call: Saving Lives With Harm Reduction

    [Podcast] The Call: Saving Lives With Harm Reduction

    Learn more about harm reduction and the Never Use Alone hotline, a peer-led resource to keep people safe while using drugs alone.

  • What Is Pulsepoint and Why Is It Important?

    What Is Pulsepoint and Why Is It Important?

    In today’s fast-paced world, where every second counts, having quick access to life-saving resources can make all the difference. PulsePoint, an innovative mobile application, is at the forefront of leveraging technology to empower ordinary citizens to become heroes in emergency situations. While it may currently only focus on people in cardiac distress, the potential to…

  • Free Naloxone in the Tri-County Area

    Free Naloxone in the Tri-County Area

    Find free naloxone (NARCAN®) in your area with this flyer created courtesy of CCODP.

  • Answering Common Questions About Fentanyl

    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…

  • How to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs

    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…

  • What Is the California State Good Samaritan Law?

    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,…

  • Everything You Need to Know About Buprenorphine

    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…

  • How to Tell (And What to Do) If Someone Is Overdosing

    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…

  • What Is Naloxone and How Do I Use It?

    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…

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