For professionals and the public
Information on drug use, overdose, addiction treatment and harm reduction, addiction stigma, prevention, and relevant laws and policy
- Public Health — Seattle & King County Overdose Prevention Training, March 8, 2023
- Find naloxone in Washington state
There are several ways to get naloxone in Washington state without a prescription.
- stopoverdose.org
Offers education and technical assistance for individuals, professionals, and communities in Washington state who want to learn how to prevent and intervene in opioid addiction and overdose.
- Opioid Overdose Pamphlet
Explains risks of opioids, naloxone, and how to respond to an opioid overdose. Available to order in 24 languages at UW’s adaiclearinghouse.net.
- Emergency Dept. Naloxone Distribution
The first steps to setting up a community overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program is to understand the local policies and regulations about standing orders, third party prescribing, collaborative practice agreements, Good Samaritan laws, and provider medication distribution.
- Naloxone prescribing practice guidelines
Information for clinicians and pharmacists to identify who should get naloxone, how to recognize and respond to an overdose and other recommendations.
- Distributing opioid overdose reversal medications (2SSB 5195)
2SSB 5195 helps to increase access to naloxone. The law requires hospital emergency departments and many behavioral health settings to distribute naloxone to individuals at risk of an opioid overdose.
- The Good Samaritan Law
Overview of the legal protections in Washington State for overdose victims and responders.
- stopoverdose.org's Meth Overamping page
Information on the risks of meth overdose and prevention.
- Fentanyl Exposure FAQs
- Laced & Lethal
A fentanyl awareness campaign for youth and young adults, including information on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to opioid overdose, and order free naloxone.
- It's safe to give help, WA Poison Control Center
Questions and answers about secondhand fentanyl exposure.
- National Harm Reduction Coalition
Learn how to reduce the harms of drug use with the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
- Syringe Services Programs in King County
Programs that provide clean supplies to reduce the harms associated with substance use, harm reduction education, and access to addiction treatment, healthcare, and other resources.
- Learnabouttreatment.org
Information for professionals and the public about evidence-based addiction treatment options.
- Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Pamphlet
A pamphlet about evidence-based options for the treatment of opioid addiction. Available to print from this link or order at UW's adaiclearinghouse.net. Also available in Spanish.
- Washington Recovery Help Line
Find treatment services nearest you and speak with professionals about getting help with substance use, problem gambling, and/or mental health challenge.
- King County Pathways Clinic
Located at the Downtown Public Health Center, this low barrier program provides patient-centered, evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder with fewer rules than traditional care settings. Phone: 206-458-8798.
- King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division
Find high-quality behavioral health services for low-income individuals, including crisis services, mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, and diversion and reentry services.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness on American communities.
- Discussion guide: Talking to Teens about Fentanyl
Designed to help you talk with the teens in your life about fentanyl in a way that is supportive and empowers them to make safer choices.
- Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens
A harm reduction-based drug education curriculum for high school students. The free curriculum consists of 15 lessons that can be completed in a 45- to 50-minute class period.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
Resources for teens, teachers, and parents about drug use, addiction, and treatment.
- Fentanyl warning for schools, parents and students
A letter for schools to send out to students and parents about increases in overdose deaths of youth in King County due to fentanyl.
- Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one recover from addiction or mental illness.
- Safe Medication Storage and Disposal
Proper storage and disposal of medications prevent prescription misuse. Safely dispose of medicines you no longer need by taking them to a drop-box location.
- Opioid Medication & Pain: What You Need to Know
Opioids can be the right choice for treating severe pain, such as from cancer or immediately after major surgery. However, these medications are very powerful and must be used with caution and as prescribed.
- Conversation Starters
Advice on talking to loved ones about drug use.
- Words Matter
The words we use have real impacts. This is a simple, evidence-based guide on how to talk about drug use and addiction, and why it matters.
- Beyond Labels
Addiction is the most stigmatized health condition. Learn about stigma's impacts and what we can do about it.
- Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one recover from addiction or mental illness.
- 2018 Overdose Death Report
The number and rate of drug & alcohol caused deaths continues to increase. Most deaths involve multiple substances.
- 2021 HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Report
This report is structured according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) plan, which includes jurisdictions most impacted by HIV, including King County.
- Reports from the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) at University of Washington
A wide array of reports related to substance use. Search reports by topic, including substance type and population.
- King County Pathways Clinic Evaluation
The Pathways Clinic provides low-barrier access to buprenorphine for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. - Distribution of Safer Drug Smoking Supplies as a Public Health Strategy (PDF)
Describes safer smoking equipment distribution in Washington State and nationally, the evidence supporting this intervention, legal issues, and areas for further research.
- WA Good Samaritan Law
Overview of the legal protections for overdose victims and lay responders.
- King County Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force: Final Report
A summary of recommendations to both prevent opioid addiction and improve opioid use disorder outcomes in King County. See the Task Force Document Library for more information.
- 2021-2022 Washington State Opioid Response Plan
An update to the 2018 Washington State Opioid Response Plan that reflects necessary changes to establish a flexible planning structure to address substance use needs as they evolve and emerge.