Healthy New Jersey

Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell

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Drug Safety

Drug Safety

If you or someone you know uses drugs, there are resources available in New Jersey to help keep you safe.

If someone is experiencing a drug overdose, call 911 immediately. New Jersey's Good Samaritan Law protects you for making that call.

If Someone Overdoses

Act immediately. Every minute matters during a drug overdose.

Overdose response steps

Follow these steps in order. Do not leave the person alone.

1

Call 911 immediately

Tell the dispatcher you suspect a drug overdose and provide your location. Stay on the line.

2

Administer naloxone if available

Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. Follow the instructions on the packaging. A second dose can be given after 2 to 3 minutes if there is no response.

3

Place them in the recovery position

If the person is unconscious and breathing, turn them on their side to prevent choking. Do not leave them on their back.

4

Stay with the person

Remain with them until emergency services arrive. Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes; a person may need additional doses or medical care.

New Jersey Law

You are protected

New Jersey's 911 Good Samaritan Law protects people who call for help during a drug overdose. You will not be arrested or prosecuted for calling 911 in good faith.

Read the Good Samaritan Law

Naloxone

Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan®) reverses opioid overdoses. In New Jersey, naloxone is available at most pharmacies without a prescription.

  • Naloxone works only on opioid overdoses. It will not harm someone who has not taken opioids
  • It is available as a nasal spray or injectable and comes with instructions
  • Multiple doses may be needed, especially if fentanyl is involved
  • Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes, always call 911 even if the person appears to recover

Naloxone is available at pharmacies (view list of participating pharmacies in New Jersey) or NJ Harm Reduction Centers.

Fentanyl and Xylazine

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is frequently found mixed into other drugs, including counterfeit pills, cocaine, and MDMA, without the user's knowledge. Xylazine, sometimes called "tranq," is a veterinary sedative increasingly found mixed with fentanyl.

  • Fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. It is impossible to know if a drug contains fentanyl without a test strip
  • Xylazine is not an opioid and naloxone does not reverse its effects, though naloxone should still be given if opioids may also be involved
  • Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs before use

No drug is guaranteed to be safe

Counterfeit pills and street drugs are frequently contaminated with fentanyl. There is no way to determine drug content by appearance alone. If you or someone with you is using drugs, having naloxone available can save a life.

Get Support

Free, confidential help is available 24/7 regardless of insurance status or immigration status.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 in multiple languages.

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Overdose emergency?  Call 911  ·  ReachNJ:  844-732-2465  ·  Crisis support:  Call or text 988