A Movement built upon the respect for the rights of people who use drugs
Practices, Strategies, and Services that reduce the negative consequences of drug use.
harm reduction is recovery!
Pima COunty Harm Reduction Agencies
2579 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-442-7688
| Serves all of Arizona statewide. Provides naloxone, safer use supplies, peer support, and HIV & hepatitis C testing.
Distribution Events: Every Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM @ Robles Ranch Community Center (16150 W Ajo Hwy, Tucson, AZ)
Other locations and days available: Click here for SPW Distribution Calendar |
FB Messenger or IG: @cositucson | Provides delivery for naloxone, and safer use supplies. Free delivery service: Orders can be placed via FB messenger.
Distribution Events:
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375 S Euclid Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-628-7223
| Provides naloxone, safer use supplies, peer support, and HIV & hepatitis C testing.
Distribution Events Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM 375 S Euclid Ave, 85719 |
Multiple Locations | Provides naloxone, safer use supplies (injection only), wound care kits, and linkage to rapid HIV & hepatitis C testing.
Distribution Events:
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Insiders Drop In Center Website 5401 E 5th St, Tucson, AZ 85712 520-798-1772 | Provides naloxone, acudetox services, HIV testing & counseling, and linkage & referral to care.
Drop In Hours @ 5401 E 5th Street, 85712: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Testing Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
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If you are using alone, call 1-877-696-1996
Never Use Alone Inc has a 24/7 National Overdose Response Line for anyone in the United States. One of the operators will stay on the phone with you while you are using drugs. In the case of an overdose emergency, they will call emergency medical services to help increase your odds of survival. (Click here to read the FAQ)
Life Saving Tools
Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. There are three different types of naloxone:
- – Injectable
- – Auto Injectable
- – Nasal Spray (Narcan)
To find naloxone at a community distribution site and to learn the signs of the opioid overdose, visit our page: https://pimahelpline.org/naloxone
Fentanyl Testing Kits
Fentanyl is often mixed with other substances. Fentanyl testing supplies are available and legal in Pima County. There are different versions including strips and test kits that look like COVID test kits.
Many naloxone community distribution sites also have access to fentanyl testing kits in Pima County, which is indicated in the notes.
Syringe Access Programs
If injecting drugs, having sterile syringes and other safe use supplies can reduce the chance of HIV infection, viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections. Many programs offer clean syringes and properly discard used syringes for you.
Syringe Access Programs in Pima County:
Safer Smoking/Snorting Kits
If you are smoking/snorting drugs, sterile paraphernalia can reduce the chance of viral hepatitis, HIV infections, and other disease transmission. Kits may include pipes, rubber tips, plastic straws, etc. If you are reusing and sharing paraphernalia, cleaning paraphernalia is necessary to reduce to risk of disease or infection.
You can find safer smoking kits at:
Wound Care Supplies
Using drugs can lead to painful skin conditions. Taking care of skin wounds can reduce the chance of an infection.
The basics of wound care are:
- – Clean the wound
- – Keep the wound moist
- – Keep the wound covered
You can find wound care supplies at:
Medication and Sharps Disposal
Proper disposal of medications, drugs, and sharps can help keep loved ones (i.e., children and pets) and your environment (i.e., parks and public spaces) safe.
To learn about proper medication and sharps disposal please visit Dispose-A-Med resources:
Life Saving Strategies
Know the Facts
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is often mixed in with other drugs, such as meth or cocaine.
A small amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose, because it is 50x more potent than heroin, and 100x more potent than morphine.
Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. People can go back into an overdose. Call 911 for medical attention.
Using multiple substances at the same time can increase the risk of harm and overdose.
Mixing alcohol or benzodiazepine with opioids can decrease breathing rate and increase the risk of an overdose.
Mixing different stimulants, such as cocaine and meth, can increase the risk of heart problems, psychosis, anxiety, or panic attacks.
Drug use in a hot environment can increase the risk of hyperthermia.
Tolerance develops when someone uses a drug regularly and their body becomes accustomed to the drug and may need larger/more frequent doses to experience the same effect. For people using opioids, tolerance can drop in 1-2 days if use has been stopped or disrupted. When someone uses the same amount of opioids after the drop in tolerance, they are at a higher risk of an overdose.
Risk of an overdose increases if you are sleep-deprived or dehydrated, or have breathing problems, liver problems, and/or infections.
Compared to swallowing, snorting and injecting drugs are more likely to lead to an overdose.
Then is an increase risk of tetanus, infection, and vein damage when injecting drugs.
Make Your Health a Priority
Make sure you eat, drink water, sleep, and address any health concerns.
Label your equipment you use for drugs, so you know it is yours.
Do not share pipes/needles or other paraphernalia to prevent HIV and hepatitis infections.
Make sure to keep your equipment and injection site clean to reduce risk of infection.
If you are not wanting to use fentanyl, test your drugs with fentanyl testing kits.
Take smaller doses and go slow.
Find a Trusted Buddy
Do not use alone. Have an overdose plan with someone. If you are using alone, call the National Overdose Prevention Lifeline: 800-484-3731. (Click here to learn more)
When using with someone, take turns using drugs after a period of time so someone can give naloxone in case of an emergency.
If you are using alone, inform a trusted individual where you are and when to check on you.
Call 911 in case of an emergency – the Good Samaritan Law protects you from arrest for drug possession or paraphernalia.
Be Aware
If possible, find a place where you feel safe to use drugs.
Use a space where you can be reached if you need help.
Avoid leaning against or locking the door.
Pay attention to any changes in your drugs, such as color, taste, or appearance.
