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.
Find free naloxone
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:
Awareness
They’re out of it or won’t wake up.
Breathing
Their breathing is slow or stopped.
Color
Their lips, skin, or fingertips are colorless or blue.
Know what to do if someone overdoses
Don’t stress about calling. The Good Samaritan Law can keep you and the person overdosing out of legal trouble.
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.
Push hard and fast in the middle of their chest. The emergency dispatcher can give you CPR instructions if you need 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.
Three things that can save someone’s life
Always have naloxone
Keep it at home and take it with you wherever you go. You can get this life-saving nasal spray for free—no prescription needed.
Test your supply
There's an easy way to tell if pills and powders are laced. Get fentanyl test strips and test everything before you try it. One line means there’s fentanyl in something—don’t use it.
Take turns with friends
Avoid using alone and take turns just in case. Make sure someone in the group has naloxone.
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
