What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a public health approach that meets people where they are. It focuses on practical strategies to reduce the risks of drug use—without judgment—and supports individuals to stay safer, healthier, and alive.
Whether you use substances or know someone who does, harm reduction can help you stay safer. It includes overdose prevention tools, education, and access to treatment and support.
Need support or want to learn more? Call us at (310) 895-2300.
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines medications with counseling and therapy to help individuals reduce or quit using substances. At Didi Hirsch, our trained providers offer personalized MAT services to support individuals struggling with opioids, alcohol, or other substances.
Interested in MAT? Call us at (310) 895-2300 to schedule an assessment today!
Overdose prevention
Overdoses—especially involving fentanyl—are a leading cause of death across communities. But they are preventable. Carrying the right tools and knowing how to use them can mean the difference between life and death.
How to recognize an opioid overdose
Signs that someone may be experiencing an overdose include:
- Small or constricted, pinpoint pupils
- Unconsciousness, cannot wake up or speak
- Not breathing or shallow breathing
- Clammy, cold, and pale skin
- Blue lips and nails
- Snoring loudly or rasping breath
What is Narcan® and how to use it?
Narcan® Nasal Spray is the brand name for the generic drug naloxone. Narcan is a lifesaving medication used to treat a known or suspected opioid overdose.
Narcan is:
- Safe and easy to use
- Available without a prescription in many places
- Effective at restoring normal breathing within minutes
You don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life. Even if someone isn’t overdosing, Narcan won’t harm them. If you suspect an opioid overdose, it’s always better to use it, and call 911.
How to respond to an opioid overdose
- Recognize the signs.
- Shake and shout to check for consciousness.
- Call 911 for emergency help.
- If there is no response:
- Give one full dose of Narcan into one nostril.
- If the person does not respond after 2-3 minutes, give another dose of Narcan in the other nostril.
- Continue to administer Narcan every 2-3 minutes, while alternating nostrils, until the person is responsive or emergency services arrive.
- Check for breathing. If fewer than 12 breaths per minute, perform rescue breathing if you are trained and feel comfortable doing so. To perform rescue breathing:
- Lay the person on their back.
- Tilt up their chin to verify that their mouth is empty.
- Pinch their nose, do mouth-to-mouth, and give two breaths.
- Continue giving one breath every 5 seconds.
- Place the person in a recovery position:
- Turn them on their side.
- Tilt their head back slightly.
- Move their hand to support their head.
- Bend their knee to prevent them from rolling over.
- Stay with the person and monitor their symptoms until emergency services arrive.
Facts about fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to both fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.
Because it’s inexpensive and highly potent, fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs — like Adderall, Xanax, oxycodone, cocaine, meth, ecstasy or molly — without the person knowing.
Why fentanyl test strips matter
Even a small amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose. Fentanyl test strips allow you to check a substance before using it, so you can make safer choices.
1. Is harm reduction enabling drug use?
No. Harm reduction acknowledges that drug use happens and focuses on keeping people alive and as healthy as possible. It opens the door to trust, care, and treatment when someone is ready.
2. Can anyone carry Narcan?
Yes! Narcan is safe and legal. In many states, it’s available without a prescription. Anyone can carry and use it to save a life.
3. What should I do after giving someone Narcan?
Always call 911. Narcan works for 30 to 90 minutes and may wear off before the opioids do, so emergency medical help is still necessary. verdose symptoms may return when Narcan wears off. Stay with the person until help arrives.
4. How do I store Narcan or fentanyl test strips?
Store Narcan and fentanyl test strips at room temperature. Do not freeze. Avoid excessive heat above 104°F (40°C) and keep away from direct sunlight. Keep both tools dry and sealed until use. Check expiration dates regularly before using either tool.
5. How can I access harm reduction tools?
To discuss the harm reduction options available to you that might be relevant for a specific situation, call our Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services — Client Engagement & Navigation Services (CENS) line at (310) 895-2300. For additional information on accessing harm reduction supplies and service providers available in your area, reach out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health — Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) or the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
