Resources in

Colorado

In 2020, there were 1492 identified opioid overdose deaths in the state of Colorado.

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.

STATEWIDE NALOXONE ACCESS

Over 200 pharmacies in Colorado carry naloxone, available to anyone under a statewide standing order. Use Stop the Clock’s locator to find a pharmacy or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm.

HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER

Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC) has committed itself to serving Colorado’s public health by working to reduce the harms associated with drug use. Since 2002, our organization has provided direct services that curb the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and accidental overdoses among people who inject drugs. HRAC also works closely with lawmakers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the general community towards a common vision of a healthy and safe Colorado.

COLORADO HOTLINES

Colorado has several crisis hotlines that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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.

COLORADO’S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW

People who experience or report an emergency drug or alcohol overdose cannot be prosecuted for certain offenses when they report the emergency and stay at the scene until medical responders arrive in good faith to save someone’s life. People who experience or report an overdose are immune from being charged for small amounts of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession/consumption of alcohol by someone underage.