Resources in
Connecticut
In 2020, there were 1,371 identified opioid overdose deaths in the state of Connecticut.
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
Use this locator to find a pharmacy in your area that provides naloxone distribution. Each location includes the name of the pharmacy, hours of operation, and a phone number. Call ahead with your insurance details to request information about your co-pay.
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 mailed to you at no cost.
HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMS
Many Connecticut harm reduction programs provide not only syringe and naloxone access but also referral, case management, and health services on site as well. Use this interactive map compiled by CTHRA to see what options are near you.
Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance
The Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance (CTHRA) is dedicated to promoting the dignity and wellbeing of individuals and communities impacted by drug use. CTHRA is the Connecticut affiliate of NEXT Distro.
connecticut’S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW
In 2011, Connecticut’s Good Samaritan Law was passed to protect people who call 911 seeking emergency medical services for an overdose from arrest for possession of drugs/paraphernalia. It does not protect someone from other charges or stop the police from serving a search or arrest warrant if that was already in process.
DRUG USER ORGANIZING
The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.
CONNECTICUT’S HOTLINES
Connecticut has several crisis hotlines that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DRUG TREATMENT OPTIONS
The Connecticut Addiction Services website was developed to help people in Connecticut get timely access to detox, residential addiction treatment and recovery house beds.