Table 2 –

Behavioral Risk Reduction Strategies for Providers to Recommend to Youth

Don’t use alone Take turns using so someone could give naloxone in the event of an overdose Have a friend call or text you every 3-5 minutes or call the Never Use Alone line at 800-484-3731 if you are alone Don’t mix substances, especially things that can make you sleepy such as alcohol or benzodiazepines Try a little bit of a new purchase to check how strong it is before you take your normal amount Consider using take-home test strips to test for the presence of fentanyl in pills, heroin, cocaine, or other drugs before you try them Have overdose reversal medication (naloxone) on hand, and make sure those around you know how to use it Call emergency services (e.g., 911) in the event of an overdose, including if naloxone is given Counsel youth on the presence of so-called “Good Samaritan Laws” in some jurisdictions, which allow individuals to call emergency services in the event of an overdose and not be charged with drug possession Explain that given the short action of duration of naloxone, an overdose can recur 30-90 minutes when naloxone wears off; thus, calling emergency services is critical even after naloxone is given Use safe syringe access and medically supervised drug-use facilities if available