Resources in
California
California ranks lower than many states for opioid-related overdose deaths. However, there were still 8908 identified opioid overdose deaths in 2020. California has a long history of supporting low barrier naloxone distribution but many regions still don’t have consistent access.
If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.
PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS
Pharmacies in the state of California are authorized to sell naloxone without a prescription although availability is pharmacy and pharmacist-dependent. Call your local pharmacy ahead of time to ensure naloxone is in stock, available without a prescription, and to ask about cost.
GET NALOXONE MAILED TO YOU
If you are a person who uses drugs, have been recently released from jail or prison, or if you are a friend, family member, or partner of of someone who may be at high-risk for an opioid overdose, you can have naloxone discretely mailed to you at no cost. We partner with SANE (Safe Alternatives Thru Networking And Education) in Sacramento to provide this service.
Naloxone for organizations and first responders
The California Department of Public Health supports first responders (fire, EMS), law enforcement, community based organizations, and schools in accessing naloxone.
HARM REDUCTION IN CALIFORNIA
All California Syringe Services Programs provide access to naloxone, along with sterile syringes, safer drug use supplies, and other services.If you are a person who uses drugs and you are unable to access clean syringes through pharmacies, syringe exchange programs, or online marketplaces, please reach out to NEXT for assistance.
CALIFORNIA’S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW
In the state of California, people are protected from criminal and civil liability when responding to an overdose and do not need to fear arrest for possession and paraphernalia. AB635 in California also allows laypeople to distribute, possess and use naloxone under a physician's standing order rather than through prescription. You can learn more about naloxone access laws on PDAPS.
Los Angeles Specific
The Los Angeles Department of Health Services has developed this map to help individuals in the area locate naloxone and harm reduction services near them. This website also includes treatment services, overdose prevention videos, and other resources.
SAN FRANCISCO SPECIFIC
Because activists in San Francisco have worked to create significant naloxone access infrastructure, NEXT does not mail within the city. You may access naloxone at no cost at CBHS Pharmacy located at 1380 Howard (at 10th Street) Monday-Friday from 9am to 3:30pm. You can also contact the DOPE Project which coordinates the distribution of naloxone to people who use drugs and their family, friends and other possible overdose bystanders in San Francisco, CA.
DRUG TREATMENT SUPPORT
California has devoted resources and efforts to dramatically expand access to Medication Assisted Treatment services throughout the state. Services are available in a variety of settings and can be accessed through a network of physicians and treatment facilities, including many primary care physicians.
CRISIS HOTLINES
Consolidated list of statewide and county-specific hotlines and helplines. Please note that very few hotline staff/volunteers are trained in harm reduction.
DRUG USER ORGANIZING
The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs.