Substance Use and Recovery Services

The U.S. has had an opioid crisis for many years. This stems from multiple systemic and individual causes including poverty (lack of meaningful work, housing and food instability), diminishing mental health resources, and the medical community’s struggle to adequately address chronic pain. Because of this crisis, the demand for opioids is high. Fentanyl is often added to other drugs by suppliers to increase addictive potential and save cost. Fentanyl is getting significant press because it is linked with so many opioid-related deaths. However, there needs to be more focus on all of the social issues that have led to this crisis in the first place.

All opioid medications can reduce the body’s instinct to breathe. Since fentanyl is 50 times more powerful than herion and 100 times more powerful than morphine, it can stop breathing and lead to overdose even at small doses. Because much of the fentanyl use is accidental, mixing of it with other chemicals such as benzodiazepines (Xanax/Ativan) or Xylazine (Tranq) may put a person using at higher risk of death.

Fentanyl is colorless and odorless, so it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been contaminated with fentanyl just by looking at the substance. Enter, Fentanyl testing strips! Test strips can be used to test any substance for the presence of fentanyl, allowing people to make informed decisions. Test strips can be picked up here at the Center or near a harm reduction health facility near you. 

Yes, there is a life-saving medication called Narcan that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. With easy to access training and technique (including YouTube videos), Narcan is safe, effective, and can help save a life. When administering Narcan, keep in mind that it may need to be administered multiple times due to the potency of the current drug supply. Immediately call 911, make sure the person is in a safe location, and provide quality CPR when necessary until EMS arrives.

Supply of fentanyl testing strips may vary at times at the Center, and we are currently working on how to provide Narcan over the counter at our pharmacy. Over-the-counter Narcan has recently been approved and may be accessible at pharmacies near you.

Speak to your providers about substance use here at the Center. We have medication assisted therapy, individual and group therapy, and outside resources to help in any stage of recovery.

Never use alone. Test your supply. Educate yourself on how to use Narcan and carry it with you. Talk to your friends and family about problematic use.