Don't Die High

Don't Die High

Save the life of someone you love or even your own by always carrying two items:

  • Fentanyl test strips (FTS), which are small strips of paper that can detect fentanyl in different kinds of drugs and drug forms
  • Naloxone, also known by the brand NARCAN®, which can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time, available in prefilled nasal sprays and injectables.

Anyone can use either without prior medical training or authorization, and are freely available from the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Get Narcan and FTS for free, no questions asked:

100% Free. Available to nearly everyone. No questions asked.

You can also purchase Naloxone/Narcan at the counter of your local pharmacy. No prescription needed. Cost varies by pharmacy.

Why Does It Matter?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is a major contributor to overdoses. It’s 100x stronger than morphine and often added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. It can be found mixed into all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder and injectables).

Remain safe. Use testing strips whenever possible, and carry naloxone for worst-case scenarios.

Steps for Safe Use

Narcan Nasal Spray

Always carry Fentanyl Testing Strips and Naloxone (NARCAN®)

Remember: Libraries, clinics and pharmacists. Refer to the list above to see where else these tools are available.

Test for Fentanyl

Knowing where drugs come from does not make them safe.

A negative result does not mean that fentanyl is not present because it’s not evenly distributed when mixed into substances. Always use with caution.

Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip. Click the image to view at full size >>

Fentanyl Test Strip Instructions
Narcan Nasal Spray

Don't Mix Drugs

Mixing recreational drugs with prescription, OTC and/or alcohol can cause unintended reactions.

Avoid Using Drugs Alone

Have others around to administer naloxone and/or call for emergency assistance if needed.

Recognize Overdose Symptoms

Knowing what an overdose looks like can help save a life. Symptoms can include:

  1. Unresponsiveness
  2. Slow, erratic breathing or no breathing at all
  3. Slow, erratic pulse or no pulse
  4. Vomiting
  5. Loss of consciousness
  6. Constricted (small) pupils

Not all signs may be present. Err on the side of caution if you’re uncertain.

Know How to Help

An overdose requires immediate emergency medical treatment. If you suspect someone has overdosed…

  1. Call 9-1-1 immediately
  2. Administer naloxone/NARCAN®
  3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
  4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
  5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.
Know How to Help
Narcan Campaign

Don’t be afraid to help.

We want to save lives, not punish people. A person who calls 9-1-1 or takes someone to an emergency room for an overdose, or for follow-up care if an overdose has already been reversed, are protected by the Emergency Medical Services Access Law of 2012. This means the person who overdoses and the person seeking help will not be charged/prosecuted for felony possession of:

  • Fewer than three grams of heroin
  • Fewer than three grams of morphine
  • Fewer than 40 grams of prescription opioids
  • Different amounts of other drugs

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use and looking for treatment information, there are options for help.

Media Resources

Click the links below to view the associated media resources:

Don't Die High

My Safe Word Is Narcan

My Kink is Partying Safely

The Right Package Can Save A Life