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Protect yourself and your friends from fentanyl

Illicit fentanyl is a serious risk, but having a backup plan can save lives. Learn how to spot an overdose and get resources like naloxone.

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Fentanyl is in all kinds of street drugs

Fentanyl is showing up all over San Diego—in cocaine, meth, even counterfeit Percocet® or Adderall® pills. It’s 50 times stronger than heroin, and there’s no way to tell if something’s laced without testing it. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause a deadly OD.

Know how to spot an overdose

A person who is overdosing might look like they’re sleeping.

Use the ABCs to check if it’s an overdose:

A
Awareness

They’re out of it or won’t wake up.

B
Breathing

Their breathing is slow or stopped.

C
Color

Their lips, skin, or fingertips are colorless or blue.

Know what to do if someone overdoses

Call 911

Don’t stress about calling. The Good Samaritan Law can keep you and the person overdosing out of legal trouble.

Give them naloxone

Place the nozzle in their nose and press the plunger. Wait 2–3 minutes. Repeat in the other nostril if they don’t wake up.

Start hands-only CPR

Push hard and fast in the middle of their chest. The emergency dispatcher can give you CPR instructions if you need them.

Stay with them

Naloxone only lasts for 30–90 minutes. Stick around until help arrives. They’ll still need professional medical care.

Even if you’re not sure it’s an overdose, give them naloxone. It won’t hurt them, but it can save them.

Find support for you or your friends

How substance use affects mental health

Mental health and substance use care

Call 9-8-8 to get help

If you or someone you care about is struggling, the 9-8-8 Lifeline can connect you to mental health and recovery support services. It’s free and confidential.

You can also call 2-1-1 to get help with things like food and utilities in San Diego County.


Text or call 9-8-8