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Keep your circle safe

You have the power to make your own choices. Choose to keep your friends and yourself safe. Learn the simple steps you can take to prevent or reverse an opioid overdose. Together, we can end overdose deaths.

Illustration of friends in a diner, talking.

What you need to know

Illegal fentanyl is a powerful, fast-acting drug. It can be mixed into other drugs, especially powders like cocaine, meth, and MDMA.

Fentanyl is also pressed into fake pills that look like real OxyContin, Adderall, Percocet, and Xanax.

Fentanyl goes by many names. Even if a pill or powder isn’t called fentanyl, it can still have fentanyl in it.

Fentanyl has no unique look, taste, or smell. You can’t tell just by looking whether something has fentanyl in it.

Any amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose or death.

Illustration of M pill with microscope zoom.

Worried about a friend?

Opioids like fentanyl have specific effects. Here are some signs a friend or loved one may be struggling with substance use.

Friends talking on a bench.

Body

  • Excessive sleepiness 
  • Very small or “pinpoint” pupils 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Scabs from scratching 

Brain

  • Increased anxiety or depression 
  • Trouble remembering things 
  • Confusion 

Behavior

  • Pulling away from friends
  • Big mood swings
  • Being secretive 

Regular substance use can affect someone’s life in many ways. It can change brain chemistry, create physical dependency, disrupt daily routines, and damage relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available.

Learn about medications for opioid use disorder

Conversation tips

Sometimes, a caring conversation makes all the difference. Talking to a friend about drugs can be awkward at first, but it could be one of the most important things you do for them. Use these tips to get started.

Keep it casual. Take a walk or give them a call.

Ask open-ended questions and really listen. 

Share facts about fentanyl and fake pills. 

Ask them to carry naloxone (Narcan).

Get naloxone

Let them know you care and want them to be safe. 

Your friend might get mad or defensive. If they do, it’s OK to try again another time.

You also don’t have to handle this alone. You can talk to an adult you trust. 

What to say

“How are you? We haven’t talked in a while.” 

“You haven’t seemed like yourself lately.
How are you feeling?” 

“I’m worried about you. How can I help?” 

“Is there anything you want to talk about?
I’m here for you.” 

Ways to prevent
or reverse an overdose

Test pills and powders

Use fentanyl test strips to test pills and powders. Buy strips at dancesafe.org/shop or find free local resources. Many places that offer free naloxone also offer free testing strips. 

Get naloxone

Practice the buddy system

Think of this the same way as having a designated driver. One person is always alert and can look for signs of an overdose.

Avoid mixing drugs (or drugs and alcohol) 

It makes an overdose more likely.

Share the Never Use Alone hotline: 1-877-696-1996 

Volunteers stay on the phone while a caller uses drugs and call 911 if the person stops responding. 

Call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline. 

Caring counselors are available any time for free and confidential help. 

Carry naloxone (Narcan). 

Naloxone is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, including from fentanyl. 

Learn to recognize and respond to an overdose

FAQS

Someone may be overdosing if:

  1. They can’t wake up. Even when you call their name or shake them firmly.
  2. They are breathing very slowly or not at all.
  3. They are turning blue, gray, or purple. Check around their lips and fingernails.
  4. They look ashen or feel cold to the touch.

If you think someone has overdosed, call 911 right away and give them naloxone. Washington state’s Good Samaritan laws protect you both from prosecution for simple drug possession.

Learn more about the signs of an overdose and what you can do to help. 

Yes, naloxone works on fentanyl. In fact, it is the best way we know of to reverse a fentanyl overdose. Because fentanyl is such a strong opioid, it may take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse an overdose. Wait 2-3 minutes between doses. It does not work any better or faster to administer multiple doses at once.

Naloxone only works to reverse the effects of opioids. It will not reverse the effects of other drugs or alcohol.

Naloxone has no side effects. You cannot hurt someone by giving them naloxone, even if they are not on opioids. That’s why you should always administer naloxone if you think someone is overdosing. It can’t hurt them, but it can save their life.

No. When someone is overdosing, they are unconscious. A friend or other person must give them naloxone. 

In Washington state, Good Samaritan laws protect people who call 911 about an opioid overdose from prosecution for simple drug possession. Before these laws existed, many people wouldn't call 911 for help with an overdose. They were afraid of getting in trouble for having drugs. The goal of Good Samaritan laws is for people to feel secure calling 911 for help in the event of an overdose. 

Share these resources about opioids, naloxone, and preventing overdoses with friends:

  1. Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) – StopOverdose.org
  2. Washington Department of Health (DOH) – Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program
  3. University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) – adai.edu