It is a priority in the State of Michigan to increase access to prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery options for individuals using substances. Below you will find important information on how to request naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and other resources to support you and your loved ones.
Naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan©) is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effect of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe and legal to possess and administer in the case of a suspected overdose.
SAMSHA’s National Hotline is available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year for treatment referrals. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
For local treatment resources you can use the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services’ listing by county.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) describes medications approved by the FDA to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). These medications may be combined with other clinical services and/or recovery supports. Medications include methadone, buprenorphine (brand names Suboxone®, Zubsolv® and others), and naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol®). The National Academy of Sciences has found that available evidence “clearly establishes” the increased effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment.
Syringe service programs (SSPs) support individuals who use drugs to prevent overdoses, the spread of infectious diseases, and other types of injury and illness by reducing risks associated with substance use. All syringe service programs in Michigan provide naloxone at no cost to the community. Many SSPs are also able to provide fentanyl test strips and access to other drug checking supplies.
MDHHS and communities across the state are committed to increasing access to recovery pathways and expanding self-sufficiency services for people in recovery.
The MSP Angel Program allows an individual struggling with drug addiction to walk into a MSP post during regular business hours and ask for assistance. If accepted into the MSP Angel Program, the individual will be guided through a professional substance abuse assessment and intake process to ensure proper treatment placement. An "Angel" volunteer, who is a member of the local community, will be present to support the individual during the process, and to provide transportation to the identified treatment facility. All MSP posts are currently participating in the Angel Program.
Stigma is a sense of shame or judgment that many individuals using opioids feel. It can prevent them from seeking help. You can help end the stigma and begin healing. Resources are available for you to start a conversation that reworks the narrative, helps end the stigma of opioid use disorder, and leads to healing.
After filling a medication, you may not think about what happens when some of it goes unused. Opioids and other prescription medications can be stolen or used by people other than the patient that was prescribed the medication. Further, proper drug disposal is important because it helps protect human health and our environment. To find a proper drug takeback location near you, click the button below.
Google is working with the National Drug Enforcement Agency to make it easier for people to find permanent drug takeback locations near them using Google Maps. Michigan, along with Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, are part of this Google Maps Integration Pilot.
