Resource Library
Toolkits, guides, and other resources vetted by experts in overdose prevention.
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10 Facts About Methamphetamines
This fact sheet answers ten FAQs regarding methamphetamines and their place in the addiction and overdose discussion.
AAFP/AMA Backgrounder: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Deaths due to illicit fentanyl and heroin are now leading drivers of the opioid epidemic. This document argues for stronger support from the federal government in providing resources to curb overdose-related deaths, such as MAT.
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder: Overcoming Objections
Despite data showing the success of MAT in treating drug addiction, objections are still common. This document helps clear up some common misconceptions about MAT, and brings evidence-based practice to the discussion around MAT.
Talking to Teens About Fentanyl
This discussion guide is designed to help you talk with the teens around you about fentanyl in a way that empowers them to make safer choices.
What is fentanyl and why is it behind the deadly surge in US drug overdoses?
As fentanyl has become ubiquitous across the U.S., it has transformed the illicit drug market and raised the risk of overdose. This article provides insight into how fentanyl has infiltrated the drug supply in America so quickly, and how we can prevent deaths moving forward.
Drug Fact Sheet: Fentanyl
This fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration provides information about the origin and harmful effects of fentanyl.
Bob’s Story
This is the story of Bob and his experience with overcoming substance use disorder.
DanceSafe
DanceSafe is a nonprofit that provides drug checking and is founded on social justice principles. They are known for testing users drugs at festivals and events and have additional programs ranging from drug education to consent deep-dives to political advocacy to sexual health. You can visit their site to learn more about their efforts or purchase drug testing products via their shop.
BTNX, Inc.
BTNX Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in rapid, point-of-care diagnostics. BTNX is the manufacturer of fentanyl testing strips which can be purchased directly from this manufacturer.
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Naloxone Policy
Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition worked with Santa Maria Joint Union High School District to recently amend a local school policy surrounding medication administration to additionally include naloxone into the policy. This policy allows for the superintendent or designee, or any trained district staff member, to administer naloxone during an opioid overdose. This is an excellent showcase on how COPN coalitions are implementing policy change at the local level.
CA Syringe Services Programs & Harm Reduction
California Department of Public Health has a Harm Reduction and Syringe Access Division, focused on serving people who inject drugs. California law supports public health efforts to expand access to sterile syringes through both syringe exchange programs (SEPs, also known as syringe services programs) and nonprescription syringe sale in pharmacies.
CA Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone
CDPH has issued a statewide standing order to help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdose by facilitating the distribution and administration of Naloxone Hydrochloride (Naloxone) in California.
Increasingly Powerful Opioid Antagonists Are Not Necessary
In the U.S., drug overdose deaths have increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthetic opioids are implicated as the primary drivers of this increase. Naloxone is recommended for use and distribution by health professionals and laypersons to address this crisis. Given the relative potency of many synthetic opioids, it has been theorized that higher doses of naloxone may be required to effectively reverse overdoses. This study tests that theory and provides recommendations related to naloxone prescriptions.
Strategies for Effectively Allocating Opioid Settlement Funds
Opioid settlements with pharmaceutical companies have already occurred, and there are more to come. Settlement funds could save lives and mitigate lifelong harms from opioid misuse if they are allocated to the most effective interventions. This webpage offers effective strategies for ensuring states get it right in terms of the distribution and effective use of these funds.
Legality of Dispensing Naloxone to Minors in California
There are many reasons a person under the age of 18 may wish to obtain the life-saving overdose reversal medication naloxone or another opioid antagonist. In 2020, over 15 percent (874 out of 5,502) overdose deaths in California occurred in individuals under the age of 25. Additionally, individuals under the age of 18 may be able to intervene in the overdose of an adult, such as a friend or family member. This fact sheet examines the legality of dispensing naloxone to minors in California.
Addiction Medicine Toolkit
This toolkit from the CDC is designed to provide an introductory overview of addiction medicine for clinicians and provide strategies that can be implemented in your practice.
Rescue Agency
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy to changing health behaviors. We approach every challenge through a data-driven lens, bringing together topic research and audience insights to develop tailored behavior change campaigns.
Isn't Two Enough?
Racial disparities in arrest rates for drugs are a well-documented (and lived) reality. For decades, drug policy has contributed to skyrocketing incarceration rates among minority populations. This video looks at the reasons behind these disparities, and what must be done to achieve improvements in health and racial equity.
Cannabis Prevention - Big Deal
This video describes the dangers of using "new marijuana" or “wax,” an altered version of cannabis that is mixed with other, more lethal substances. It shows how this more intense version of THC can negatively impact youth and their brain development.