Fatal and non-fatal overdoses are preventable. Harm reduction strategies to prevent overdoses vary a bit by the specific type of drug, but generally include using less at a time, testing your drugs, using a less risky method of administration, and not using alone. For opioids, naloxone can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose.
The video below describes how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone. Additional information regarding opioids and overdose prevention can be found further down on this page.
Overdoses happen when a toxic amount of a substance, or a combination of substances overwhelms the body. People can overdose on a variety of things, such as alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and even over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen.
Opioid overdoses occur when there are so many opioids in the body, that the natural urge to breathe weakens. If a person is not breathing enough, oxygen levels in the blood decrease. The lack of oxygen eventually inhibits the function of other vital organs including the heart and the brain. This can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and ultimately death.
This process is rarely instantaneous; respiratory depression can last over the course of minutes to several hours after the drug was used until a person stops breathing completely. This means there is usually time to intervene between when an overdose starts and the person’s death.
The window to respond to an overdose may be shorter with other synthetic opioids. It is also important to note that certain medical conditions can impact someone’s respiratory function.
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Symptoms include:
- loss off consciousness
- slow or stopped breathing
- snoring or gurgling-type of breathing
- cold clammy skin
- pinpoint pupils
- discolored lips and/or nails
The video below describes how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone.
Stimulant overdoses, commonly referred to as over amping, can raise a person’s blood pressure, breathing, body temperature, and heart rate. Without intervention, this can lead to seizure, stroke, heart attack, and potentially result in death.
Symptoms include:
- vomiting
- chest pain
- muscle spasms
- headache
- anxiety
- paranoia
- loss of consciousness
Stimulant overdose response:
- Stay with the person, and regularly check for breathing
- Offer food andcold wateror a drink with electrolytes (like Gatorade)
- Offer an ice pack or cool damp cloth
- Ensure they are laying on their side
- If symptoms become critical, call 911 for medical help
View an accessible version of the above graphic(PDF, 109KB)
Naloxone is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors, which prevents opioids from binding to them. It will have no impact if an overdose is not opioid related.
Naloxone is available in the form of a nasal spray, as well as an intramuscular injectable form. DDPHE distributes the intranasal spray naloxone under the brand name Narcan.
There are no negative side effects of using naloxone and no potential for misuse or dependence. However, naloxone may put a person dependent on opioids into withdrawal, which can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience.
As of March 2023, naloxone is available without a prescription from participating pharmacies and is often covered by medical insurance plans. Fentanyl test strips are available at some pharmacies at cost. Explore an interactive map of locations where you can find naloxone:
Stop the Clock Colorado
There is no cost, co-pay or prior authorization for Health First Colorado Recipients. Let the pharmacist know you are a Health First Colorado member.
Denver Resources
City & County of Denver residents have access to three syringe access/harm reduction providers within the city that provide a wide array of services that promote the health and wellness of people who use drugs, including naloxone.
If you are a person who uses drugs needing access to the services these program provide, please contact or visit the programs below:
Additional naloxone distribution locations include:
In partnership with the Denver Public Library, DDPHE is offering Overdose Response Training at the Denver Central Library (10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.)
Sign up for a class online
Syringe and Medication Disposal
Denver Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) recently completed the installation of four sharps disposal kiosks to address the issue of discarded syringes in public spaces.
Find a kiosk & learn more
Syringe Access Programs
Syringe access programs (SAPs) are evidence-based interventions shown to reduce the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) and do not increase drug use or crime. They meet people where they are to provide an array of services in a safe, anonymous setting. SAPs provide access to healthcare and treat people with dignity and respect, no matter where they are at.
View the 2023 Denver Syringe Access Program Needs Assessment
SAPs have many benefits including:
- creating opportunities to engage people who use substances and linking them to services,
- they are shown to be safe, effective, and cost-saving,
- they are associated with a 50 percent reduction in HIV and HCV incidence, and
- they provide a source of community connection through advisory groups, education classes, activities, community cleanups, and more.
Participants of SAPs are:
- more likely to safely dispose of needles,
- more likely to reduce or stop injecting, and
- five times more likely to access treatment for substance use.
Recent increases in fatal and non-fatal overdoses, and changing drug supply, have identified an additional need to promote the use of these programs to provide overdose education and naloxone to individuals who use substances but do not inject.
Programs provide a variety of services including:
- Access to sterile syringes and syringe disposal.
- Injection supplies such as cottons, cookers, waters, tourniquets, sharp containers and more.
- Overdose prevention education, including access to naloxone.
- Referrals to substance use treatment and resources for people who want to reduce or eliminate drug use in their life.
- Linkage to care and referrals to HIV and hepatitis C care.
- Harm reduction counseling and substance use education.
- Fentanyl Testing Strips.
- Wound care education.
- Other harm reduction supplies to reduce the impacts of drug use.
- Safer smoking and snorting supplies such as sterile pipes and multicolored straws to avoid sharing.
Currently, there are three syringe access programs in Denver.
- Access Point: A program of Colorado Health Network and provides services 4 days a week at 936 E 18th St. and provides mobile syringe access services throughout Denver | Walk-in Service Hours: Monday- Thursday 1-6 p.m. | 720-994-2403
- The Harm Reduction Action Center: Operates 5 days a week at 112 E. 8th Ave. and provides mobile syringe access services via street outreach 3 days a week. | Walk-in Service Hours: Monday- Friday 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. | 303-572-7800
- Lifepoint: A program of Vivent Health that provides mobile syringe access services throughout Denver four days a week (and at least one Saturday a month) | 720-385-6898
For People Who Use Alone
Because many individuals use substances when alone, there are resources available to ensure someone can respond to a potential overdose. Visit: neverusealone.com to receive anonymous support from a volunteer when you use your substances.
Wellness Winnie
What is Wellness Winnie?
- Wellness Winnie is a “fun size” RV, with scheduled travel route through Denver for the purpose of providing integrated behavioral health and support services.
- Wellness Winnie exists to empower all people in Denver to live their healthiest life and to increase equitable access to resources, helping the community to thrive.
- Wellness Winnie is staffed with mental health counselors and peer navigators. Through shared experiences, peer navigators are skilled to support recovery and mental well-being.
What does Wellness Winnie currently provide?
- Peer support and navigation
- Informal classes and presentations
- Sharps disposal
- Behavioral health screening and assessment
- Active referral to services such as: medical, legal, and social services
- Distribution of items such as: socks, gloves, toiletries, etc.
- Rehydration and cooling from the heat
- Warming from the cold
- Narcan distribution and overdose education
For more information about Wellness Winnie or to locate a stop near you, please visit our Wellness Winnie webpage.
Drug Checking Resources
Other harm reduction strategies include testing your substances for the presence of fentanyl or xylazine prior to use. Remember, no test is 100% accurate and user error can happen. Always try to follow the classic harm reduction tips: go slow, never use alone, and carry naloxone
Because drugs purchased on the street can contain unknown substances, it is important to test drugs before using them.
DanceSafe is an organization that promotes health and safety within the electronic music community. They provide a number of resources. They also offer fentanyl test strips for purchase.
UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab anonymously tests substances. Testing result data is available on their website.