Naloxone is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. You can buy it from a pharmacy or get it for free from many community organizations, such as your local public health department.
Using alone? Call 877-696-1996.
The Never Use Alone hotline connects you to someone who stays on the line while you use. If you become unresponsive, they will call for a first responder.
Sharing syringes? Use bleach.
If you are sharing or reusing, rinse your syringe with sterile water and bleach to reduce your risk of HIV or hepatitis C.
Prevention Tips
Start Slow if Your Tolerance is Low
Your tolerance for opioids (like oxy or fentanyl) could drop in as little as 3 – 7 days. Always start slow if your tolerance may have decreased.
Haven’t used in a couple of months? Use a smaller amount to reduce your chance of overdose.
Use an Alcohol Wipe
Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces you use to prepare drugs. Then, use an alcohol wipe or soapy water to clean your injection site.
Switching veins or the way you use (smoking or snorting instead of injecting) can decrease the chance of getting abscesses or other infections.
Use New Syringes, Pipes, Straws and Other Items
It is best not to reuse or share needles or other drug-use equipment like cottons, cookers, ties, water, snorting straws or pipes. If you are sharing or reusing, rinse your syringe with sterile water and bleach.
Infections like HIV and hepatitis C can be passed through a small amount of blood from someone else’s body. This means even if you are not sharing a syringe, you can be exposed to blood from other drug-use equipment.
If you are actively using drugs, testing for HIV and hepatitis C every 3 to 6 months can help keep you and others healthy.
Avoid Using Alone
Never use alone or behind locked doors. You can also call the Never Use Alone hotline (877-696-1996) for someone to stay on the line and call for a first responder if you become unresponsive.
Test Your Drugs and Use Them Slowly
There has been an increase in fentanyl found in stimulants, like cocaine, as well as pills purchased off the street. Test drugs with a fentanyl test strip when possible.
Using a smaller amount of a drug can help you decide how strong your supply is and reduce the chance of overdose or overamping.
Space out your doses to figure out how the substance affects you.
Be Ready to Respond to an Emergency
When you are using with another person or in a group, make sure at least one person is not using at all times so someone is able to use naloxone and respond to any emergencies that could arise.
Rest, Eat and Hydrate
Your health impacts how your body responds to overdoses and overamping. Be sure to rest, eat and hydrate.
Dispose of Used Equipment Safely
If you cannot put used syringes in a location labeled to take them (such as a biohazard bin), protect others by putting used syringes, cottons and cookers in a thick, plastic container with a secure top, like a laundry detergent bottle. Tape it closed and label it: "Sharps, Do Not Recycle".
Keep Naloxone With You and Call 911
Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Find naloxone in your community.
Remember Missouri’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person overdosing from arrest for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Be Aware of Skin Infections, Abscesses and Other Wounds
Try to keep wounds covered and wash them regularly with soap and water. If you have a fever or chills, seek medical care immediately. Learn more about wound care for people who use drugs.
Access Healthcare
A trusted medical provider can help you make the best decisions for your health.
Health services like HIV and hepatitis C testing, PrEP/PEP, or hepatitis A and B vaccines, may be available at your local public health department or community health center for little or no cost.
HIV & Hepatitis Information
Missouri Information
Contact Information
To request a presentation or more information, email HarmReduction@health.mo.gov.