Harm Reduction Support
The National Harm Reduction Coalition defines Harm Reduction as, “…a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.” We all use harm reduction in our daily lives. We wear seatbelts when we drive because driving is dangerous, but we’re going to do it anyway. We wear sunscreen when outside to avoid skin cancer. We wear helmets when biking. Similarly, we should practice harm reduction when it comes to substance use.
No matter where you are in your relationship to substance use, there are ways to use substances that are demonstrably safer than others. We want to ensure that you have the tools to party and explore without putting yourself in harm’s way. SHOP offers a variety of harm reduction tools and provides 1:1 Wellness Coaching to develop plans for safe use. SHOP services are confidential and our office does not report alcohol or drug use.
What is Narcan?
Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a drug that reverses opioid overdose. It is very safe. If someone is mistakenly given naloxone, it will not harm the individual. It comes in nasal spray or injectable form. SHOP provides nasal naloxone.
Why should I get Narcan?
A lot of students think they do not need to have naloxone on hand because they are not using heroin or fentanyl. The reality is that we are seeing other drugs laced with fentanyl, such as cocaine and pressed pills, and a small dose of fentanyl can trigger an overdose. Better to be prepared and safe. Narcan also fits very easily in a purse or backpack.
How to identify an overdose from opioids
A person might be overdosing from opioids if you observe the following symptoms:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Unconscious and cannot be woken up
- Breathing is very slow and labored, or it sounds gurgled
- Skin around lips and fingernails looks blue
What do I do if I think someone is overdosing on opioids?
Where can I get Naloxone?
SHOP provides free naloxone through a grant with the California Department of Public Health. You can come to SHOP to receive a free 15-minute training on how to administer naloxone and receive a kit that includes naloxone and fentanyl test strips. We give one kit per person and cannot give out large quantities to individuals.
Can’t make it to SHOP? Naloxone is also available for free through The Cove and two vending machines on campus, located by the Baytree Bookstore and Student Health Services.
Explore the campus Naloxone map to find out where you can pick up free Narcan.
California Good Samaritan Law
CA AB 1999; CA AB 472
This bill grants “limited immunity from criminal prosecution for any person under the age of 21 years who is subject to prosecution … where the person under the age of 21 years called 911 and reported that either himself or herself or another person was in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption and conformed to other specified requirements.”
This bill provides “that it shall not be a crime for any person who experiences a drug-related overdose, as defined, who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance, or any other person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for the person experiencing a drug-related overdose, to be under the influence of, or to possess for personal use, a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or drug paraphernalia, under certain circumstances related to a drug-related overdose that prompted seeking medical assistance if that person does not obstruct medical or law enforcement personnel.”
In short, you are protected from consequences in these instances if you call for assistance.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl is an opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than heroin. It is responsible for the bulk of overdose deaths in the U.S. It is sometimes laced into substances intentionally to make them more addictive, but it can also be in other drugs due to cross-contamination. Fentanyl can be unevenly distributed throughout a substance, for example in pressed pills. This is called the “cookie effect”.
Fentanyl test strips (‘FTS’) are a form of inexpensive drug testing technology that was originally developed for urinalysis, but which have been shown to be effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs in drug samples prior to ingestion.
In order to use the strips, testers dissolve a small amount of substance in water, and then dip the test strip into the liquid for 15 seconds. Because the test strips are highly sensitive, a minimal amount of drug residue is sufficient to obtain a result. The test strip is then set on a flat surface until results appear, typically within 5 minutes. One line indicates fentanyl is present in the sample; two lines indicate a negative result.
Testing drugs for fentanyl is one way to stay safer while using substances. SHOP provides free fentanyl test strips that are effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl. Come by SHOP to learn how to use the test strips properly. Porter B too long of a walk? Check out this video on how to use test strips.
If you want to do more extensive testing of your substances check out organizations like Dance Safe that sell kits.
1:1 Substance Use Support Sessions
- Did you just have a really bad trip and would like to unpack it with someone?
- Are you worried about your use or are feeling sober-curious?
- Are you considering trying a substance for the first time and want to do so more safely?
Wherever you are, SHOP is here to support you because you deserve unbiased, direct information. We are a harm reduction focused office, which means you decide what is best for you and no one is going to tell you what to do. Professional staff provide 1:1 Wellness Coaching that is confidential and free of charge (no need to have UCSHIP). We do not report drug or alcohol use. We will meet you where you are and work with you in a non-judgemental manner.