Accidental Opioid Overdoses are a real problem in our community.  Opioid are pain medications (OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet etc... as well as heroin) that often are abused.  In the state of Massachusetts, TWO people die EACH day from an accidental opioid overdose.  The state has provided 11 communities, including Lowell, funding to educate the community as a whole on the risks and dangers of opioid overdoses.  Learn more on Opioid Overdose Prevention Facts!

 Get the Facts about Pain Medications!

If you want an educational workshop please contact Maria Ruggiero at mruggiero@lowellma.gov  phone 978-674-1076 or Chris Connolly at cconnolly@lowellma.gov phone 978-674-1066.

Do you or a loved one need help with substance abuse?

Visit one of the links below to find the correct support for you and/or your family. 

MA Substance abuse information and education helpline at http://www.helpline-online.com/ or call (800) 327-5050.

Massachusetts Al-ANON and ALATEEN Meetings   

 Chelmsford Alateen meets at the North Chelmsford Congregational Church at 15 Princeton St., Rt 3A Vinal Sq. Basement Floor...Tuesday nights 7:00 to 8:30 PM.  For more information visit   http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/for-alateen 

City of Lowell Health Department Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center Resource List.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Health and Human Services

Lowell House Inc.

Habit OPCO

Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC)

Northeast Behavioral Health

Learn To Cope support group meets in Lowell every Wednesday 7:00PM to 9:00PM!!

Who supports you if a loved one is abusing opioid's?  Learn2cope is a peer support group started by a parent who found herself asking the very same question.  An amazing resource for families struggling with opioid abuse (as well as other drugs) in hopes of preventing a fatal overdose.  Meetings will be held every Wednesday from 7:00PM to 9:00PM at Saints Medical Center, One Hospital Drive, 1st floor conference room.  Visit, www.learn2cope.org  for more information and become part of a community of people who know just how you feel!

Recognizing an Opiate Overdose*

• Person won't wake up.
• No response to yelling.
• Blue lips or fingernails.
• Clammy cool skin.
• Shallow, slow breathing.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• No response to knucles being rubbed hard on breastbone. 

Responding to an Opiate Overdose*

An Opiate overdose is a medical emergency!

• CALL 9-1-1-  Give the address, tell them the person is not breathing, stay with the person if you can.
• While you wait for the ambulance: put the person on his or her side to prevent them from choking on their own vomit.
• Do rescue breathing if the person is not breathing.  See photo
• Administer narcan if you have it
• Place person in recovery position.  See photo

Facts about using Narcan*

• Narcan can temporarily reverse an opiate overdose.
• There are several pilot programs in Massachusetts that train people in the community (everyone can be trained) to become a narcan responder.
• Call 800-327-5050 to find a location closest to you.  Soon, there will be a site here in Lowell.
• Narcan can't make a person high.
• Naran comes in a nasal spray that is given in the nose
• Narcan takes 2 to 3 minutes to work and can last from 30 to 90 minutes.  YOU MUST STILL CALL 911.
• For more information call the Statewide Overdose Prevention at 800-383-2437 or visit www.healthimperatives.org/sphere
   * information provided by SPHERE a program of Health Imperatives supported by the Mass Department of Public Health. 

Rescue Breathing Photos

Recovery Position

The Lowell Senior Center will now take Sharps

   Every Wednesday from 9:30 to 1:00PM drop your sharps (needles, lancets and syringes) off in a sharps container or a sturdy plastic waterproof container.  use a bleach bottle or detergent bottle.  For more information call 978-970-4131

Sharps Disposal (lancets, needles and syringes) for Lowell residents!

Lowell residents (with proof of residency) may dispose of sharps at the Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility at 451 First Blvd (Route 110) on the LAST Saturday of every month between 8:00AM and 12 noon. Sharps must be in a puncture proof, water resistant container (i.e.bleach bottle, detergent bottle, coffee can).

 For Questions call Wastewater Utility at 978-970-4248  Ext. 1600 OR Lowell Health Department at 978-674-4304

Darby Drop-In Center (another location for Sharps Disposal)

Darby Drop-In Center located in Lowell House Inc.. has a needle disposal Kiosk where you can drop off used sharps (lancets, needles and syringes).  Anonymous and safe drop-off.  Located at 555 Merrimack St in Lowell.  Use the front door on Merrimack Street. No residency requirements!

Sharps can be disposed of during the  following hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00PM to 8:00PM

Saturday from 8:00AM to noon.

Information and groups on topics such as HIV and AIDS, STD's, Drug Addiction, Alcoholism and risk reduction for risky behaviors.  For more information call 978-459-8656.

Unwanted Medication Drop Off