Learning to take care of yourself takes time and thought.
Everyone deserves to take care of themselves whether they use drugs or not. Use this page to help you get started.
A deadly opioid called fentanyl is being added to drugs. Fentanyl can cause you to overdose quickly.
Have naloxone with you. Use with someone else who can give you naloxone and call 9-1-1 if you overdose.
Learn more about fentanyl and how you can keep yourself safe.
I can get the supplies that I need to stay healthy
- You can get new syringes at a pharmacy near you or at a syringe exchange. You can go to the Project Weber/Renew (phone: 401-383-4888) men’s drop in center, or ENCORE’s (phone: 401-781-0665) mobile or permanent syringe exchanges. Learn more about where you can get new supplies and works.
- Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have been mixed with fentanyl. Learn more about fentanyl test strips.
- You can prevent infections by doing basic things before you use drugs, like washing your hands with soap and water, using new supplies, and swabbing your skin with alcohol. Learn more about how to prevent an infection.
- There are things you can do to stay healthy while injecting drugs like using new needles and supplies, rotating injection sites and using sterile water every time you use drugs. Learn more about how to take care of yourself when injecting drugs.
I can get naloxone and stop an overdose
- You should learn how to use naloxone to stop an overdose – fentanyl is deadly and can make you overdose quickly so you need to act fast.
- You can keep naloxone with you every time you use drugs. Naloxone is the only way to stop an opioid overdose. Find out where you can get naloxone.
- You can tell people about the Good Samaritan Law, a law that protects you from getting arrested if you call 911 when someone is overdosing, whether you have drugs on you or not.
I can have someone with me when I use drugs
- You want someone with you when you are using drugs. Take turns using – that way one of you can call 911 if there is an overdose.
- You can learn how to use naloxone to stop an overdose in case you see someone overdosing.
- Did you know that more than half of the people who die from an overdose are using more than one drug at a time? You can be safer by using just one drug at a time.
I can go to a doctor and get tested
- If you inject drugs, get tested once a year for HIV and hepatitis C. Find where you can get tested for free for HIV and hepatitis C.
- When you have a wound or abscess that does not get better on its own, it’s time to go to the clinic. If you don’t have insurance you can visit the Rhode Island Free Clinic for care.
Want to learn more?
- Share this fentanyl wallet card.
- Learn about the Good Samaritan Law and how it protects you from being arrested.
- Find out where you can to get rid of needles and other medications safely.
- Learn more about substance use treatment options in our state.
- Thank you to Merchants Quay Ireland and The Harm Reduction Coalition for their educational materials