2021 CT Data:  1,530 total overdose DEATHS

Ranked 9th amongst states for deaths per 100,000 persons

CDC 2023

75.7% that at least one potential opportunity for intervention

92.7% involved at least one opioid and 43.7% at least one stimulant. Fentanyl and Cocaine the most common.

31% Naloxone

administered

What Can Nurses Do?

Since 2011 CT has passed many laws related to Opioids and Naloxone, learn more

Follow our Action Center

for 2023 Legislative Initiatives

News/Updates

• CT's Opioid Antagonist Laws 11.2.2023
• FDA Advisers Recommend OTC Nasal Spray Narcan
• The Power of Media: Changing the Narrative on Substance Use - 2/10/23
  Recorded event featuring presentations and a moderated panel discussion on the effects of stigma. Click Here for Dr. Stephen Holt's PowerPoint. Click Here for Rachael Cooper's presentation. Click Here to download Kristi Olds' presentation What Can Media Professionals Do? A Media and Stigma Forum resource list is available here. 

Get trained, learn about Naloxone

Four Pillars Drug Strategy

• Prevention
• Treatment
• Enforcement
• Harm Reduction

CT Clearinghouse

CT Center for Prevention Wellness and Recovery, Wheeler Clinic

Connecticut Clearinghouse is a statewide library and resource center for information on substance use and mental health disorders, prevention and health promotion, treatment and recovery, wellness and other related topics. Materials from our specialized library and resource center are available to Connecticut families, teachers, students, professionals, communities and children

Access to Naloxone and Training

What is Naoloxone

Naloxone is only effective on opioids (heroin, OxyContin, Vicodin, fentanyl, etc.) Persons given naloxone who have not overdosed on opioids will not be harmed. Persons dependent on opioids who are given naloxone will experience opioid withdrawal. In any overdose situation, 9-1-1 should be called and naloxone should be administered if opioids are involved or suspected to have been involved.

Download NORA: Naloxone + Overdose Resonse App (free, CT DPH)

This Connecticut DPH app uses NORA to prevent, treat, and report opioid overdose, It contains information about resources, legal protections, giving naloxone, signs of an overdose and more!

Get Trained and Spread the Word!

Clinicians play an important role in raising awareness about naloxone. Talk with your patients and their family, friends, and caregivers about the benefits of naloxone. Help reduce the stigma sometimes experienced with its use.

CDC Module Learning How to Talk to Families and Patients about Naoloxone

How to get Naloxone in CT

• Your primary care provider/family doctor can give you a prescription for naloxone that can be filled at any CT pharmacy.
• Any provider who is able to prescribe you an opioid can prescribe you naloxone.
• Pharmacists in CT who have completed training to become certified can both prescribe and dispense naloxone.

Free Training and Naloxone for Health Professionals

CDC Fact Sheets and posters

Identifying Risks When Prescribing Opioids pdf icon[PDF]: This clinician fact sheet highlights factors that can put patients at higher risk for opioid-related harms notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Resources

Pain, Opiods, Naloxone and more!

Nonopioid Treatment for Pain

• Overview: Chronic Pain: In Depth - Source: NIH

• CE: Treating Chronic Pain without Opioids  - Source: CDC

• Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management - Source: Mayo Clinic

• Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's in a Name? - Source: NCCIH

• Pain Management: Treatment Planning - Source: IHS

Back on Track

60-second clip that highlights the risks of opioids and offers some nonopioid options for chronic pain management. Manage chronic pain, prevent opioid use disorder, and refer to the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain to minimize patient risk and save lives.

Risk Factors in Opioid Prescribing

This video (3.5 min) addresses the various risk factors likely to increase susceptibility to opioid-associated harms and suggests strategies for mitigating these risks.

Even When Prescribed by a Doctor

Informational, 1-minute-31-second video that raises awareness about prescription opioids among the general public. Some people might think prescription opioids are safer than alcohol or illegal drugs, but the truth is they carry serious risks and side effects. Talk with your doctor about your concerns and make informed decisions about pain management together.

Tapering Opiods for Chronic Pain

3.5 min clip describes when and how clinicians should initiate opioid tapering and outlines ways to support patients through the process. Lower dosages, tape or discontinue, provides tips for working with patients to meet their needs.

Opioids for Acute Pain: What you Need to Know

Prescription Opioids: What you Need to Know

Opioids & Chronic Pain: Promoting safer and more effective pain management

Opioid Overdose Tip Card

Nonopioid Treatments for Chronic Pain

CDC Resources for Providers