Oregon law provides legal protection to anyone helping someone experiencing a drug overdose. If you call 911 or seek medical care when you witness someone overdosing, the law says you and the patient cannot be arrested or prosecuted for:
- Possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia.
- Being in a place where drugs are used.
- Violating probation or parole related to #1 or #2.
- Outstanding warrants related to #1 or #2.
Oregon law also provides legal protections for administering the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone.
Naloxone is available in two forms—nasal and injectable. Many people are familiar with Narcan®—the nonprescription brand of nasal naloxone. Narcan® is easy to use and available at most retail pharmacies. It’s important to have this medication on hand if you or someone you live with takes prescription opioids, uses illicit drugs or has a history of drug use.
People can overdose on legally prescribed opioid pain killers, such as methadone, oxycodone or hydrocodone (Vicodin®). Even if a person uses stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine, there is a chance that any pill or powder acquired online, on the street, or from a friend could contain a fatal dose of the opioid fentanyl.
If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately, before administering naloxone. Reversing the opioid overdose is critical, but because the reversal is temporary and the patient may have also ingested harmful non-opioid drugs that do not respond to naloxone, it’s important that medical personnel arrive as quickly as possible.
No part of Oregon law protects you or the patient from:
- Crimes related to drug dealing, weapons possession, DUI and others.
- Outstanding federal warrants or warrants from other states.
The laws around helping someone during an overdose, which are sometimes referred to as “Good Samaritan laws,” can be read here: ORS 475.898 and ORS 689.681.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. Oregon’s Alcohol & Drug Helpline can provide referrals to local resources for peer support and treatment. Call 800-923-4357 24/7, or text Recovery Now to 839863.