Being prepared to help someone who is overdosing involves education, training, carrying naloxone, and having an emergency plan. By taking these steps, you can be ready to act quickly and effectively in an overdose situation, potentially saving a life.

Understanding the factors that contribute to overdose deaths is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent overdose deaths. Comprehensive approaches that address the underlying causes and provide support and resources can help mitigate this public health and public safety crisis.

Substance use disorders do not discriminate. They can affect anyone, highlighting the importance of widespread awareness, prevention efforts, and accessible treatment options to support those in need. Understanding the multifaceted nature of substance use disorders can help reduce stigma and promote a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use.

Overdoses are largely preventable through a combination of education, harm reduction strategies, medical interventions, and supportive policies.

An overdose occurs when a person consumes a toxic amount of a substance, overwhelming the body's ability to process it safely, leading to severe health complications or death. Overdoses can happen with various substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and alcohol.

Learn about the complexities of fentanyl distribution in the U.S., particularly in California, as our latest blog explores how transnational crime networks exploit vulnerabilities in borders and communities. Discover how technology fuels illicit drug markets, complicating efforts to curb the devastating impact of fentanyl in our latest installment of the documentary blog series, “The Ripple Effect.”

As the fentanyl devastation continues to wreak havoc in our communities, this blog explores how fentanyl infiltrates our U.S. borders and the response of government agencies as they strive to address it. Despite ongoing efforts, illicit fentanyl continues to fuel a devastating opioid crisis, demanding comprehensive and coordinated actions.

Understand the dangers of illicit fentanyl and its effect on the body. Learn about the distinction between fentanyl poisoning and overdose.

Learn about illicit fentanyl's infiltration into the United States, from its origins in Chinese labs to its processing and distribution hubs in Mexico.

Explore the deep-rooted stigma surrounding illicit substance use. Learn how it impedes access to treatment and supports harmful stereotypes.

Examine ketamine, from its roots as an anesthetic to its emerging use for treatment-resistant depression, and its role in polysubstance use.

Learn how the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health creates barriers to recovery. Discover how to challenge harmful narratives and build compassionate support systems.

Harm reduction is a compassionate approach to addressing substance misuse. Learn about evidence-based strategies like overdose prevention and stigma reduction initiatives.

Uncover the origins of Xylazine, the alarming rise in its misuse, and the public health concerns associated with its presence in polydrug mixtures.

Understand the alarming rise in meth-related deaths and substance use disorders along with the need for comprehensive strategies to address this growing public health concern.

Discover how the holiday season, often associated with joy, can bring unique mental health challenges. Uncover strategies to manage expectations, combat loneliness, and mitigate financial stress.

Understand the root causes of polysubstance use, its impact on physical and mental health, and the nuances of treatment and recovery.

Explore the realities of meth – its origins, devastating effects, and increase in overdoses linked to fentanyl. Learn about treatment and hope for recovery.

Safer Sacramento had an incredible night at the 8th Annual Shorty Awards in Los Angeles on November 13th, 2023! Competing against winning organizations such as UNICEF, MTV, and other large-scale ad and marketing firms, Safer Sacramento placed in both of its nominated categories, taking home three honors, including Silver Honor in Multi-Platform Campaign, Bronze Honor in Call to Action, and Audience Honor in Call to Action.

Substance abuse and misuse among older adults, aged 65 and over, has dramatically increased since 2002, raising alarms and prompting questions about treatment and prevention.