How to prevent a drug overdose in San Francisco nightlife

As fentanyl becomes a popular party drug, it's important for partygoers in San Francisco to be prepared in case of an accidental overdose – whether they plan to use it or not.

Fortunately, the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, better known by the brand name Narcan, is increasingly available both over the counter and in San Francisco's nightlife scene. Along with test strips that allow users to check their drugs for the presence of fentanyl, the life-saving drug allows for safer substance use at live events.

Here's how to prevent an overdose at night and elsewhere.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin and is deadly even in small doses. While some people use it intentionally, others are at risk when it contaminates other substances such as cocaine, ketamine and methamphetamine.

The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported 39 accidental overdoses in July, 27 of which were caused by fentanyl. Last year was the city's highest year for overdose deaths, and given current data, 2024 could see just as many again.

According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, a person may be suffering from an opioid overdose if they experience, among other things, loss of consciousness, being awake but unable to speak, shallow or no breathing, or blue or gray skin, lips, or fingernails.

As of 2023, Narcan has been approved by the FDA for over-the-counter sale in the United States. It can be purchased at several pharmacies throughout the Bay Area, including CVS and Walgreens.

Free Narcan and training are available at the Consumer Behavioral Health Services Pharmacy on the south side of Market. The San Francisco Drug Overdose Prevention Education (DOPE) Project also maintains a current list of Narcan and harm reduction resources available throughout the city.

In addition, DOPE supplies Narcan to drag queen Kochina Rude, who performs at Oasis' “Princess” show on Saturday nights, to distribute it to audiences for free. Rude estimates that she will have administered 3,500 doses of the life-saving drug by July 2024.

Several locations in San Francisco and the East Bay offer fentanyl testing strips from FentCheck, a nonprofit organization run by Oakland resident Alison Heller. In San Francisco, FentCheck operates primarily in the Mission and Castro neighborhoods, but Heller said the company is constantly looking for ways to expand. For more information on participating locations, visit fentcheck.org.

In addition, the CBHS pharmacy distributes free test strips, a maximum of 10 per person.

Rude gives a five-minute Narcan demonstration at each of her Oasis performances, teaching her audience how and when to use the life-saving medication. She has also worked with the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Entertainment Commission to produce an instructional video on how to use Narcan and test strips, which you can watch here.

For more information about Narcan and test strips, visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the San Francisco DOPE Project.

Contact Lauren Harvey: [email protected]