Substance Use

Education, Response, Prevention

The consequences of substance use continue to have devastating and long-lasting effects on our community. Using a harm reduction framework, it is our department’s mission to improve the health and safety of the New Haven community and those who use substances through reform, education, compassion, and science.

Overdose Response & Prevention Training

Request a FREE training on how to identify, respond, and prevent an opioid overdose, including how to access and use Naloxone (Narcan) – the opioid overdose medication. All New Haven residents and professionals are welcome.

Schedule a training today OR check out our events calendar below to join the next scheduled training session.

For more information, contact Andressa Granado at (203) 946-3031 or email [email protected].

Local Programs & Resources

Resources are available to New Haven residents. Everything from syringe disposal and needle exchange programs to Hepatitis C testing, access to Narcan and substance use treatment.

Medication Safety

Prevent harm by:

Correctly storing medicines.

Properly disposing of expired/unused medications.

For more information on medication safety, please click here.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco Free CT

Connecticut’s Tobacco Control Program promotes tobacco-free lifestyles by educating communities about the economic and health costs and consequences of tobacco use. Check out their helpful resources.

Behavioral Health Care Providers

Helpful resources for those helping clients with tobacco cessation.

Cannabis Safety

Since June 2021, cannabis is fully legal for medical and adult use in Connecticut. New Haven has one of the nine cannabis dispensaries that was awarded hybrid status that allows the sale of medical and adult-use cannabis. Adults age 21 and over can legally purchase up to a fourth of an ounce, or seven total grams, of cannabis (per transaction) for recreational consumption beginning on January 10, 2023.

Prevent cannabis misuse by following these three safety tips at home:

LOCK IT – Secure your products in a place that is out of reach for loved ones and children.
LABEL IT – Mark your products so that loved ones and children know it is a cannabis product and it will cause a reaction.
LIMIT IT – Try to limit the number of cannabis products you keep in the home to avoid overeating/over-consumption.

To learn about laws on buying, carrying, treatment & support, and using cannabis products in Connecticut, visit: BEINTHEKNOWCT.ORG