What are opioids?

Opioids are a class of medicines and drugs—some prescribed, some illegal—that bind to opioid receptors in the body to relieve pain. Common examples include prescription drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as heroin and the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

What makes them so dangerous?

• They slow breathing. In high doses, opioids can depress the brain's drive to breath -- this respiratory depression is the main cause of fatal overdoses.
• Extremely potent synthetics. Fentanyl is up to 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger thn morphine, so even tiny amounts can be deadly.
• Unpredictable supply. Illicit pills and powders are often counterfeit or contaminated; DEA testing shows many fake "prescription" pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
• Dangerous combinations. Mixing opioids with other sedatives—like benzodiazepines or alcohol—greatly increases overdose risk. The FDA requires its strongest warning about this combination.

What are the most commonly used opioids?

• Prescription: OxyCotin, Vicodin, Morphine, Methadone
• Synthetic: Fetanyl (50 to 100x more potent than morphine)
• Illegal: Heroin

How do opioids work?

Opioids trigger the release of endorphins (your brain’s “feel good” neurotransmitters). Endorphins muffle your perception of pain and boosts feelings of pleasure, creating a temporary but strong sense of well-being.

Who is affected by opioids?

People of all ages, genders, orientations, ethnicities, classes, and professions are affected opioids. There is NO demographic that has NOT been touched by the Opioid Overdose Epidemic

Did you know...

• 10 million people misuse opioids each year
• 564,000+ people died in America from an opioid overdose between 1999 and 2020
• Every 4 hours someone dies of a drug overdose in New York
• 80% of overdose deaths in New York involve opioids

NARCAN is a safe and effective medication used to help prevent an opioid overdose from becoming fatal.

• It takes 2-8 minutes for NARCAN to restore breathing in someone who has overdosed.
• There is 0 potential for misuse or dependence.
• There are 0 negative impacts of NARCAN use in non-opioid overdose situations.
• There have been 2,749 instances of life saving NARCAN deployed in NYS in 202 by non-law enforcement community members.

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

Look out for these common symptoms if you think someone is suffering from an opioid overdose:

• Is the person unconscious or unresponsive?
• Has the person exhibited slowed breathing or has stopped breathing entirely?
• Has the person's lips and/or nails turned a blue/gray/white color?
• Is the person making snoring or gurgling sounds?
• Is the person wxhibiting muscle stiffness or rigidity?

How to respond to an opioid overdose

Shout from a distance to check if the person who is potentially suffering from an opioid overdose is responsive.

Sternal Rub: apply some pressure to their breastbone with your knuckles.

If they respond, stay with them and try to keep them alert and monitor them closely. When in doubt, call 911.

If they do not respond, call 911 for medical help and administer NARCAN in the meantime.

What is the 911 Good Samaritan Law?

911 Good Samaritan Law: The law offers some protection to the overdose victim and those who call 911 from prosecution for:

• Drugs up to A2 felony offense (possession of up to 8oz of narcotics)
• Alcohol (for underage drinkers)
• Cannabis (any amount)
• Paraphernalia offenses
• Sharing of drugs (in NYS sharing constitutes as a "sales offense"

The law does not provide explicit legal protection for probation or parole violations, violations for open warrants, issues related to immigration, or child welfare.

Repeat the simple steps below or watch the instructional video on our Instagram profile to learn how to properly administer NARCAN to someone suffering from a drug overdose.

1. Peel
2. Place
3. Press
4. Repeat - If after 2 minutes, the person does not wake up, give a second dose.