Recovery & Harm Reduction Resources

Understanding Harm Reduction

Harm reduction refers to practical strategies intended to reduce preventable negative health consequences associated with substance use.

It does not require ignoring the risks associated with drugs, and it should not be interpreted as encouragement to use controlled or illegal substances.

Harm-reduction approaches can include overdose education, access to opioid-overdose reversal medication, recognizing dangerous substance combinations, connecting people with healthcare and making treatment easier to access.

Recognizing an Opioid Overdose

An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include:

• Being unconscious or impossible to wake;
• Very slow, shallow or stopped breathing;
• Choking, gurgling or unusual snoring sounds;
• Discoloration of the lips, skin or fingernails; and
• Very small, constricted pupils.

Naloxone & Opioid Overdose

Naloxone is an opioid-overdose reversal medication. It can temporarily reverse an overdose caused by opioids such as fentanyl, heroin and prescription opioid medications when administered in time.

Naloxone does not replace emergency medical care. After naloxone is administered, emergency assistance should still be sought because its effects can wear off and additional treatment may be necessary.

Counterfeit Pills & Fentanyl

Pills obtained outside legitimate regulated channels can be especially dangerous because their actual ingredients and strength may differ from their appearance.

Illegally manufactured fentanyl has been found in counterfeit pills and other illicit drug supplies. A person generally cannot determine whether fentanyl is present simply by looking at, smelling or tasting a substance.

Mixing Substances Can Increase Risk

Combining substances can produce unpredictable effects and can substantially increase overdose risk.

Of particular concern is combining opioids with substances that depress the central nervous system, including benzodiazepines or alcohol. These combinations can dangerously suppress breathing.

A prescription for one medicine does not automatically mean that it is safe to combine it with another medicine, alcohol or recreational drugs. Questions about interactions should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Dependence & Withdrawal

Physical dependence can develop with some medications and substances. Abruptly stopping certain substances after regular or prolonged use can cause withdrawal and, in some circumstances, serious complications.

If you believe you have developed dependence, obtaining professional medical guidance is generally safer than attempting to manage potentially serious withdrawal alone.

When Substance Use May Be Becoming a Problem

Consider speaking with a qualified professional if substance use is beginning to interfere with your health, relationships, responsibilities or ability to control your behavior.

Warning signs can include:

• Using more than originally intended;
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop;
• Strong cravings;
• Increasing tolerance;
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms;
• Continuing despite physical or psychological problems;
• Neglecting work, education or family responsibilities; or
• Spending substantial time obtaining, using or recovering from substances.

Seeking Treatment

There is no single recovery path that works for everyone. Appropriate support can depend on the substance involved, physical health, mental health, personal circumstances and severity of the problem.

Professional options can include medical assessment, counseling, behavioral therapies, medications for certain substance-use disorders, structured treatment programs and community-based recovery support.

A qualified healthcare or addiction-treatment professional can help determine which options are appropriate for an individual situation.

Supporting Someone Else

If someone you care about is struggling with substance use, approaching them without humiliation or confrontation can make it easier for them to communicate.

Encourage professional help when appropriate, learn how to recognize an overdose, and understand the emergency resources available in your community.

Family members and friends can also benefit from professional guidance and support themselves.

Trusted External Resources

A Note From Trippy Pharma

We believe people should be able to seek information about substance use and recovery without being treated with disrespect or stigma.

At the same time, an informational website cannot replace doctors, pharmacists, licensed addiction-treatment professionals or emergency responders.

If substance use is affecting your life or the life of someone you care about, reaching out for qualified professional help can be an important next step.