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PRACTICE PREVENTION

SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY AND TREATMENT

OVERDOSE PREVENTION TIPS

  • ​​​​Never use alone. If you are unable to have someone with you, call Never Use Alone,
    1-877-696-1996, a 24/7 toll-free national overdose prevention hotline. Their peer operators provide life-saving medical intervention for individuals using drugs alone without stigma or judgment—just support and care.​​ Learn more at neverusealone.com >>

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  • Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are small paper strips that detect fentanyl in various drug forms, helping individuals identify its presence and take precautions to reduce the risk of overdose.

GOOD SAMARITAN LAWS

Virginia has a “Good Samaritan” law aimed at protecting well-intentioned witnesses from liability issues.  VA Code §8.01-225 provides that any person who renders emergency assistance in good faith shall not be liable for any civil damages.  

 

In other words, a person who tries to provide medical assistance cannot be held responsible for anything that happens because of their attempts. This includes lawsuits or any legal reprecussions.

 

This law does have notable exceptions – it does NOT cover individuals who are: 1) the cause of the injury; 2) grossly negligent, or wildly reckless while aiding; or 3) getting paid to assist, i.e., police officers, fire-fighters, or EMTs.

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Your efforts as a “Good Samaritan” could potentially save a life, so the law does not want to discourage your humanity. Just remember to be safe while you’re helping!

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): is a comprehensive approach to managing opioid use disorder. MAT combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to support recovery and improve quality of life.


Key Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): ​​

  • Methadone

  • Buprenorphine

  • Naltrexone

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TREATMENTS FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER

SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY

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