Staying Safe

Fentanyl/Xylazine test strips help check if a substance contains fentanyl. They reduce risk but don’t guarantee safety. 

Get free strips: iknowmine.org, Local Opioid Response Programs (ORP), Four A’s Service Program (Anchorage, Mat-Su, Juneau) 

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. 

• Works on opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or prescription pain pills 
• Does not harm someone if opioids aren’t involved 
• Is safe to carry and easy to use 

Order naloxone online at iknowmine.org or visit the nearest Overdose Response Program (ORP) for FREE naloxone. 

Using alone increases the risk of not getting help in time in case of an emergency. 

• If you choose to use alone, the national Never Use Alone Hotline can stay on the phone with you and call for help if needed: 
  1-800-484-3731.

Planning ahead can prevent accidents.

Decide: 

• How much you plan to use
• How you’ll get home 

Remember to sip water and take breaks. Overheating and dehydration raise risk, especially with stimulants like meth or MDMA. 

Some drugs can be added to drinks without taste or smell. To reduce risk: 

• Keep your drink with you
• Don’t share drinks or cups
• Avoid large, shared containers  

Sudden confusion, extreme sleepiness, nausea, or memory gaps can be signs someone was drugged. If this happens to you, seek help right away and stay with a trusted person. 

Before going out with friends, agree to watch out for each other: 

• Stay together as much as possible
• Check in with everyone before leaving a place
• Don’t leave anyone alone if they feel sick, overwhelmed, or unsure what’s happening 

Call 911 right away if someone: 

• Won’t wake up 
• Has slow or no breathing 
• Has blue or gray lips/skin 
• Makes choking or gurgling sounds 

Use naloxone and keep trying until help arrives. 

Stimulants like meth or cocaine can cause physical and mental distress. 

Signs include: 

• Overheating 
• Extreme anxiety or panic 
• Paranoia 
• Chest pain 
• Seizures 
• Confusion 

What to do: 

• Call 911 
• Move them to a calm, safe, cool place 
• Offer water if they are awake and able to drink 

Both are medical emergencies, but they affect the body in different ways. 

Alcohol poisoning 

Alcohol slows down the brain. Using too much alcohol, or using alcohol in combination with other drugs, can shut down breathing, gag reflexes, and the body's ability to stay awake. 

Common signs include:  

• Repeated vomiting 
• Trouble staying conscious 
• Slow or irregular breathing 
• Pale, cold, or bluish skin 

Opioid overdose 

Opioids slow breathing and can cause you to stop breathing completely.  

Common signs include:  

• Very slow or stopped breathing 
• Blue or gray lips or fingernails 
• Unresponsive to voice or touch 
• Slow or no heartbeat 

What matters most: 

If someone isn’t breathing normally or won’t wake up, call 911.