Substance use disorder occurs when a person uses alcohol or another substance (such as opiates, prescription medication, or marijuana) to function. Missing school or work, losing interest in hobbies, thinking about the substance, and increasing irritability could indicate problem use. For people who become dependent, abruptly stopping the use of the substance may lead to discomfort and other withdrawal symptoms.

Call 911 for emergency care or
go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Learn About Common Substances

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Marijuana

While it’s legal in California for adults 21+, marijuana can have several negative effects on mental and physical health.

Use with Caution

Marijuana today is a lot stronger than in the past. Don’t mix marijuana with any prescribed medications. Go slowly when consuming edibles, do not drive while under the influence, and be aware of your personal safety while using.

Opioids

Opioids are a type of drug that can be legal (OxyContin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, hydrocodone, oxycodone, or morphine) or illegal (heroin). Opioids may be prescribed on a short-term basis because they block the brain’s ability to feel pain, but they don’t treat the cause of the pain and are highly addictive.

Responsible Use

There are still times when opioids may be prescribed for a short time. If you or someone you care for has been prescribed opioids, follow these guidelines for safe prescription management:

1. Limit use

You don’t need to take all of the prescribed opioids. As soon as you start to feel better, it’s okay to stop using them. This can greatly decrease the risk of opioid use disorder (OUD). Do not take more than prescribed.

2. Get rid of leftovers

Opioids should not be saved “just in case.” This is because opioids don’t treat the cause of pain. If pain returns, talk to your health care provider about pain management options. Holding on to pills can lead to misuse by yourself or others, like children, teens, or visitors. Learn about safe pill disposal here and find a drop-off location near you.

3. Keep pills away from others.

Do not share any prescribed medications. What may be a safe dose for you could be deadly to someone else. Keep pills safely locked up or hidden from others to prevent accidental overdose.

Spotting Problem Use

Problem use happens when a person needs more and more of a substance in order to feel normal. Opioids are such powerful substances that anyone can develop opioid use disorder (OUD), even if they have no history of substance misuse. It’s not that a person is “weak” or “failing” it’s because the opioids are just that strong. Look for the warning signs of problem use:

Changes in behavior.

This could be changes in attitude, appetite, mood, sleep patterns, or irritability.

Changes in activity.

A sudden or unexplained shift in socializing, work, or hobbies.

Being secretive.

A person may hide where they are or who they are with.

If you or someone you know shows signs of problem use, link them to help right away.

Opioid Overdose

Overdose can be a scary word, but it’s important to talk about it in order to be prepared for emergencies.

Fentanyl-Added Substances

Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous opioid that is being found more and more often in illegal powders and counterfeit pills (pills you did not personally get from a pharmacist). It is often mixed into heroin, meth, and counterfeit opioids.

Fentanyl-Added Substances

An extremely deadly drug called fentanyl is being added to pills and powders often without people knowing. Fentanyl is so powerful that just two milligrams can kill. It is about 100 times stronger than morphine and about 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is now being mixed into crystal meth, cocaine, and illegally made pills. Just one use of a substance with fentanyl added can lead to a fatal overdose.

Fentanyl in San Diego County

Between January 2019 and December 2020, there was an 89% increase in illegally made fentanyl seized at the southwest border. That means that fentanyl is here in San Diego County, and the deaths are increasing. In 2020, fentanyl was involved in over 450 overdose deaths, which is up from 151 deaths in 2019. That’s a 200% increase. But there is something that may prevent an overdose: Naloxone.

Naloxone Saves Lives

Naloxone, also known as NARCAN®, is a fast-acting nasal spray that can stop a fentanyl or other opioid-related overdose and save a life by quickly restoring breathing. You should consider carrying naloxone if people you know use pills, powders, or heroin. If naloxone is used, the victim should go to the nearest emergency room. Naloxone is not a treatment for an opioid use disorder.

Naloxone is available in San Diego County. It is carried at many pharmacies (copay may be required), local community clinics, and you can also check with your health care provider to get access. Having people around who can call 911 and help administer naloxone could save a life. You can be someone’s hero. Get naloxone.

A New PATH provides free opioid prevention and response training in San Diego County.

Learn More

Get Naloxone Here

Please see the following sites and contact information to obtain naloxone free of charge in San Diego County.

Mobile Sources

A New Path

Phone: 619-990-5800
Email: april@anewpath.org

Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego

Phone 1-888-NARCAN-0 (1-888-627-2260)
Email: harmreduxsd@gmail.com

Walk-in Locations

Family Health Centers of SD SafePoint Program

Address: Imperial Ave & 16th St
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm-9pm
Phone: 619-993-0216

Family Health Centers of SD Safe Point Program

Address: North Park Way and 31st Street
Phone: 619-993-0216

County of San Diego Regional Public Health Centers

Central Region

Address: 5202 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105
Hours: Hours vary, please call for availability
Phone: 619-229-5400

East Region

Address: 367 North Magnolia Avenue,El Cajon, CA 92020
Hours: Hours vary, please call for availability
Phone: 619-441-6500

North Coastal Region

Address: 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd, Ste 104, Oceanside, CA 92056
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8-11am and 1-4pm
Phone: 760-967-4401

North Inland Region

Address: 649 West Mission Avenue, Suite 2, Escondido, CA 92025
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
Phone: 760-740-3000

South Region

Address: 690 Oxford Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
Phone: 619-409-3110

North Central Region

Address: 5055 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123
Hours: Hours vary, please call for availability
Phone: 858-573-7300

How Substances Affect Mental Health

See the individual effects of some substances.

Alcohol

Alcohol overuse can cause depression, irritability, and sleeplessness.

Opioids

Opioid misuse can lead to dependence because the body needs more and more to feel normal.

Meth

Meth decreases dopamine levels, which can make it harder to feel any emotions.

Mental Health Challenges and Substance Misuse

Find Resources

Substances and Substance
Use Disorder in San Diego

Call 911 for emergency care or
go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Learn About Common Substances

Alcohol

Marijuana

Methamphetamine

Opioids

Fentanyl-Added Substances

How Substances Affect Mental Health

Mental Health Challenges and Substance Misuse

Substances and Substance Use Disorder in San Diego

Call 911 for emergency care orgo to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Learn About Common Substances

Alcohol

Marijuana

Methamphetamine

Opioids

Fentanyl-Added Substances

How Substances Affect Mental Health

Mental Health Challenges and Substance Misuse

Substances and Substance
Use Disorder in San Diego

Call 911 for emergency care or
go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.