Opioid use can tear families and lives apart. But we can weave back together, stronger than before. It’s in our muscle memories.
capture the daylight
If you or someone you are with is in immediate crisis, dial 911
Why this matters to us
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. They include fentanyl, heroin, oxy, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone and other prescription and illegal drugs. Some people start using prescription opioids to manage serious pain, become addicted, and turn to street drugs after their prescriptions run out. Some start with street drugs.
Opioids are extremely addictive and can be very dangerous. Even small amounts of fentanyl can lead to death by overdose. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there’s help available for you, for your loved ones, and for our whole community.
Whether you need inpatient treatment, someone to talk to, or gathering time, our community is here to help you hold your end of the thread that weaves a strong future for us all.
What is an opioid overdose?
When someone takes too many opioids, the drugs overwhelm the body, slowing or completely stopping breathing, which can be deadly.
What are signs of an opioid overdose?
Unconsciousness, very small (or “pinpoint”) pupils, slow or shallow breathing, vomiting, an inability to speak, faint heartbeat, limp arms and legs, pale skin, and/or purple lips and fingernails.
What do I do if I suspect someone is having an opioid overdose?
- Call 911 immediately.
- If you have CPR training, begin CPR if the person has stopped breathing or if breathing is very weak.
- Administer Narcan to reverse opioid overdose. (Narcan is available for free in the Health Center and is important to keep on hand.)
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Turn the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Follow up with the person in the coming days; Narcan isn’t a one and done treatment.
What Does Support Look Like?
Support for someone battling opioid addiction can mean many things. It includes acceptance and meeting someone right where they are. Sometimes it’s a neighbor being there to drive you to a meeting. Sometimes it’s community nurses helping coordinate care for a loved one. Addiction happens in many ways, which is why The Tulalip Tribes wraps those who we serve in supportive recovery resources as we continue to combat the opioid epidemic.
Crisis and Long Term
We know that tribal members don’t just need help once. So to support the whole person, we offer a wide variety of support, both in a crisis and long term. For immediate help, tribal members in crisis can go to Chemical Dependency. For long term healing and recovery support, tribal members can contact Community Health.
Additional Resources
Federal Resources
- SAMHSA provides a wide range of information and services. Their fact sheet on opioids can be found here.
- The World Health Organization offers this in-depth discussion of opioid overdose.
- National Indian Health Board published a toolkit for Tribal Opioid Response Resource Toolkit
Articles
Other Resources
- National Opioid Action Coalition: https://noac.org/
- End Overdose: Focused on accessibility for life saving resources.
- PartysaferwithJess: https://www.tiktok.com/@partysaferwithjess
Now there is no one who could catch up with us.
There is something you can do.
Strong community connections are key to addressing this crisis. When neighbors and local groups unite, they create a support network that can identify and help those at risk. Small acts—checking in, sharing resources, offering support—make a real difference. These connections don’t just help in emergencies; they build resilience and prevent addiction from taking root.
Capture the Daylight officially launches in Spring 2025. Sign up here for updates leading to our launch!
