State laws that offer some legal protection to people who seek help in an overdose situation.
In the context of addiction treatment:
These laws encourage people to call 911 or seek emergency help without fear of certain drug-related charges.
What to know:
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Protections vary by state—often related to simple possession and paraphernalia.
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Laws typically don’t protect against serious charges like major trafficking or outstanding violent warrants.
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Many overdose education programs teach about Good Samaritan protections.
Example:
Someone calls 911 when their friend overdoses; under their state’s Good Samaritan Law, neither is charged for the small amount of drugs found at the scene.