Harm Reduction Education - MATTERS Network

MATTERS develops educational materials for various topics, including harm reduction. Explore resources below.

Language MATTERS

Language MATTERS. Stigmatizing language can isolate individuals with substance use disorder. Using person-first language helps avoid placing blame, shame, and stigma on the individual. Instead of saying drug user, say person who uses drugs. Instead of saying addict, say person with substance use disorder. Instead of saying someone is "clean" to express being off drugs, say "abstinent". Instead of saying "former addict", say person in recovery. Instead of saying injection drug user, say the person who injects drugs. Instead of saying someone is passed out, say they are unconscious. Many individuals overdose due to not knowing what is in their supply. Instead of saying dirty drug screen, say positive drug screen. Instead of saying drug abuse, say substance use. Instead of saying addicted baby, say baby born with an opioid dependency.

Myth Busters: Fentanyl Exposure

Myth Busters: Exposure to Fentanyl. Note: If you suspect an overdose, call 911 and administer naloxone (commonly referred to as Narcan) as soon as possible. MYTH: Fentanyl is easily absorbed through the skin and simply touching fentanyl can cause an overdose. FACT: Fentanyl is not quickly absorbed through intact skin and can simply be washed off.

Myth Busters: Exposure to Fentanyl. MYTH: Inhaling fentanyl particles in the air can cause an opioid overdose. Fentanyl is not easily spread through the air in high enough concentrations to have a clinical effect. Scan the QR code to the left to see our source materials. Learn more at mattersnetwork.org

Opioid Exposure via Cocaine

Exposure to Opioids via Cocaine is a concern. From 2019 to 2020, the number of overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by nearly 35% in New York State. Overdose deaths associated with cocaine are increasing, as well as overdose deaths associated with cocaine and synthetic opioids (like fentanyl). Overdose deaths involving cocaine without opioids are decreasing. Opioids are commonly found in the cocaine supply. An increase in cocaine overdose deaths has been driven by the presence of opioids like fentanyl. Be sure to test cocaine with fentanyl and xylazine test strips before use. Order FREE test stripsat www.mattersnetwork.org/harmreduction

Types of Opioid Overdose Medications

Types of Opioid Overdose Medication. Narcan: naloxone, 2 doses per box, nasal spray, 4mg each, available over-the-counter, $45+. RiVive: naloxone, 2 doses per box, nasal spray, 3mg each, available over-the-counter, $35+. MATTERS does not endorse any specific commercial product.

Types of Opioid Overdose Medication. Kloxxado: naloxone, 2 doses per box, 8mg each, prescription only, $130+. Opvee: nalmefene, 2 doses per box, nasal spray, 2.7 mg each, prescription only, $75/each. MATTERS does not endorse any specific commercial product.

What is Harm Reduction?

Click here for our Harm reduction FAQ

Why use test strips?

Why Use Drug Test Strips? Drugs like fentanyl and xylazine are often added to the drug supply without the person's knowledge. This can increase the risk of an overdose, as well as other health risks like skin wounds. Using test strips can empower individuals to make informed health decisions about their use. Test strips detect the presence of dangerous contaminants to prevent exposure. Testing substances is a quick and simple way to prevent an overdose and save a life. Get results in less than 5 minutes by testing a small amount of the drug before use. Access FREE harm reduction supplies on our website or by visiting a harm reduction vending machine near you.

Click here to Order free test strips

Wound Care Tool Kit

Xylazine (a.k.a Tranq or Tranq dope). Xylazine is a non-opioid, FDA-approved veterinary tranquilizer that is being added to illicit opioids, like fentanyl, to lengthen the euphoric effects. Wound care supplies: soap, saline, medical dressing, and ointment. Wound care steps. Step 1. Cleanse the wound with soap, water, and wound cleanser or saline solution. Step 2. Dress the wound with non-stick, medicated dressing or use ointment to keep wounds moist. Step 3. If using dressing, make sure to change it daily. Step 4. Refer to a wound care specialist if eschar is present. Eschar is dead tissue that is black and hard and will fall off during the healing process.

Xylazine wounds are found on the body, most commonly on the arms and legs. They may start as small "punch hole" wounds appearing in a cluster then blending into a single, large wound. Not typically pus-filled, and antibiotics are not needed if there is no infection present. These wounds expand rapidly which may lead to amputation if not addressed early. Xylazine wounds appear can appear as scabs, ulcers, eschar, or blisters. Seek emergency medical attention if eschar is present, if the wound is pus-filled or producing green/yellow discharge, if the wound is red and hot to the touch, if pieces of tissue or skin are falling off, or if pain is severe and/or worsening. If you suspect an overdose, always use naloxone. Although xylazine is not an opioid, it is commonly mixed with other opioids.

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