Welcome to the SPIKE Alert Program for Parents and Caregivers!

Opioid-specific safety measures

The thought of an overdose can be terrifying, but there are some actions you can take to reduce the risks.

• Know the signs of an overdose, carry naloxone (Narcan) and know how to use it.
• Suggest the use of fentanyl test strips to loved ones and others. They can detect fentanyl in heroin and other opioids such as Oxycontin or Percocet as well as Xanax.
• Encourage loved ones to try Medications for Opioid Use Disorder including methadone, buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone, Zubsolv) and naltrexone (e.g., Vivitrol). When taken as prescribed by a health care provider these medications can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They are one of the best tools we have to treat opioid addiction.

General safety measures

Here are a few other actions you can take regardless of whether your loved one is using opioids or other drugs.

• Share the Good Samaritan Laws applicable in your state
• Educate loved ones on harm reduction measures, including:
  • Use extra caution if using alone – suggest that a friend know to check in on them via text or another method
  • If in a group, stagger use
  • Snorting or smoking substances can be less risky than injecting
  • If injecting, use clean, sterile syringes and don’t share them with others
  • Use test amounts – go low and slow
  • Don’t mix drugs, including alcohol
• Connect peer recovery coaches in your community, if available, with your loved one
• Find community resources that can help with stable housing, food stamps, insurance sign-up, medical services and transportation. With these basics in place, many people will consider treatment.

More help for you and your family

We offer extensive confidential support for families with a child of any age struggling with substance use. Check out our free resources including our helpline, peer parent coaching program, Help & Hope by text, online support community and more. We know what an emotional rollercoaster ride this can be, so please reach out to us if you need someone to just listen or guidance with developing a plan. We are here to help!