When facing an overdose emergency, every second counts. Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law exists to save lives by removing the fear that prevents people from calling 911. For men in recovery, understanding this law isn’t just about legal protection—it’s about knowing that seeking help during a crisis won’t derail your progress or land you in jail. This law creates a safety net that encourages individuals to act when someone’s life hangs in the balance.
What Is Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law?
Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law, formally codified under Colorado Revised Statute §18-1-711, provides legal immunity to individuals who report emergency drug or alcohol overdose events. The law recognizes a simple truth: fear of criminal prosecution should never prevent someone from saving a life.
An “emergency drug or alcohol overdose event” includes any acute condition such as physical illness, coma, mania, hysteria, or death resulting from substance use. Essentially, if a reasonable person would believe medical assistance is needed, the law applies.
How Does the Law Work?
The law protects both the person calling for help and the individual experiencing the overdose. When you report an overdose in good faith, you receive immunity from prosecution for specific drug-related offenses connected to that incident.
Key requirements to receive protection:
- Report the emergency to law enforcement, 911, or a medical provider in good faith
- Remain at the scene or hospital until first responders arrive
- Identify yourself and cooperate with law enforcement and emergency personnel
- The offense must be linked to the same course of events as the overdose
Who Does Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law Protect?
The law extends protection to multiple parties involved in an overdose situation:
The Person Reporting: Anyone who calls 911 or seeks medical help receives immunity, regardless of their own substance use at the time.
The Overdose Victim: The individual experiencing the overdose cannot be arrested for drug-related offenses connected to that incident.
Others Present: Recent legislative updates have expanded immunity to include anyone else who remains at the scene to provide assistance and cooperates with authorities.
This broad protection recognizes that overdoses rarely happen in isolation. Friends, roommates, or fellow recovery community members who witness an emergency should never hesitate to act.
What Offenses Are Covered?
Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for a specific list of drug and alcohol offenses:
- Unlawful possession of controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Unlawful use of controlled substances
- Possession of synthetic cannabinoids or salvia divinorum
- Possession of up to 12 ounces of marijuana or 3 ounces of marijuana concentrate
- Public display or consumption of less than 2 ounces of marijuana
- Transferring 2 ounces or less of marijuana without payment
- Illegal possession or consumption of alcohol by underage individuals
- Marijuana possession or paraphernalia by minors
What’s NOT Covered?
Understanding the law’s limitations is equally important. The Good Samaritan Law does not provide immunity for:
- Drug trafficking or distribution (except in limited circumstances)
- Intent to distribute controlled substances
- DUI or impaired driving
- Outstanding warrants
- Other crimes unrelated to the overdose event
- Possession of substances with intent to sell
Law enforcement can still investigate and prosecute these more serious offenses, even if you called 911 during an overdose.
Why This Law Matters for Men in Recovery
For men navigating the challenging path of recovery, this law serves as a critical safety measure.
Reducing Fear and Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to seeking help during an overdose is fear—fear of arrest, fear of legal consequences, fear of judgment. Research consistently shows that witnesses to overdoses often fail to call 911 specifically because they worry about police involvement. This law directly addresses that concern.
Creating a Culture of Care
The Good Samaritan Law promotes a culture where looking out for one another becomes the norm. In recovery communities, sober living homes, and support groups, knowing this protection exists encourages men to act decisively when someone’s life is at risk.
Protecting Recovery Progress
A criminal charge can derail recovery progress, affecting employment, housing, and family relationships. By providing immunity, the law ensures that doing the right thing in an emergency won’t destroy the life you’re rebuilding.
Recent Legislative Expansions
Colorado continues to strengthen its harm reduction approach through legislative updates:
2023 Expansions: House Bill 23-1167 expanded the Good Samaritan Law to include immunity for more people at the scene of an overdose, not just the caller and victim. This recognizes that emergency response often involves multiple individuals working together to save a life.
Fentanyl Provisions: Following concerns about fentanyl-related prosecutions, lawmakers amended the law to restore immunity for simple possession even in cases involving fentanyl, addressing an oversight in earlier legislation.
Distribution Considerations: Recent changes have added protections for individuals who share drugs with others for personal use (not for payment), recognizing the difference between drug dealing and substance use among friends.
Common Questions About the Law
Does the Law Apply If I’m Using Drugs with Someone Who Overdoses?
Yes. The law specifically protects individuals who may themselves be intoxicated or using substances when they witness an overdose. Your own substance use at the time doesn’t disqualify you from immunity—as long as you meet the law’s requirements.
Can Evidence Collected Be Used Against Me Later?
This is a gray area. While you receive immunity for the specific offenses listed in the statute, law enforcement can potentially use information obtained during the incident to investigate other crimes not covered by the law. However, calling 911 remains the right choice—saving a life always takes priority.
What If I Have an Outstanding Warrant?
The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity for the offenses listed in the statute, but it doesn’t eliminate existing warrants. However, saving someone’s life is still the ethical and moral imperative, regardless of your legal situation.
Does This Apply in Sober Living Environments?
Absolutely. Whether an overdose occurs in a sober living home, private residence, or public space, the law applies equally. For men in sober living, this means you can call for help if a housemate experiences an emergency without fearing consequences for yourself or others in the home.
How to Use the Law Effectively
If you witness an overdose, follow these critical steps:
1. Call 911 Immediately: Don’t hesitate. Time is critical in overdose situations. Clearly state that someone is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose.
2. Stay at the Scene: Remaining until help arrives is a requirement for immunity protection. Don’t leave the person alone.
3. Cooperate Fully: Provide your name and cooperate with first responders and law enforcement. Answer questions honestly about the situation.
4. Administer Naloxone If Available: Colorado law also protects individuals who administer naloxone (Narcan) in good faith to someone experiencing an opioid overdose.
5. Limit Additional Information: While you should cooperate, avoid volunteering information beyond what’s necessary to address the medical emergency.
6. Contact Legal Support: After the emergency is resolved, consider speaking with an attorney to understand your rights and any potential implications.
The Broader Picture: Harm Reduction in Colorado
Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law is part of a comprehensive harm reduction approach that includes:
- Naloxone Access: Standing orders allow pharmacies to dispense naloxone without individual prescriptions
- Fentanyl Test Strips: Legal protections for distributing and using drug testing supplies
- Syringe Exchange Programs: Programs that reduce disease transmission while connecting people to treatment
- Recovery Support Services: Community-based programs that support individuals in all stages of recovery
This approach recognizes that saving lives and supporting recovery requires removing barriers and reducing stigma.
Naloxone and Legal Protection
Colorado Revised Statute §18-1-712 provides additional protection for administering opioid overdose reversal medication. Anyone who provides naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) in good faith to someone experiencing an overdose is immune from criminal prosecution.
This protection applies even if:
- The naloxone is expired
- You’re not a medical professional
- The person has a negative reaction
- The naloxone was stolen (in good faith circumstances)
Many recovery homes, community organizations, and harm reduction programs distribute free naloxone kits. Carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it can save lives.
State vs. Federal Law
It’s important to understand that Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law provides state-level immunity. Federal drug charges are a separate matter, though federal prosecution for simple possession in overdose situations is extremely rare.
The law also doesn’t prevent civil liability in all circumstances, though separate Good Samaritan statutes generally protect individuals rendering emergency medical assistance from civil lawsuits.
Practical Scenarios for Men in Recovery
Scenario 1: Sober Living Emergency
You’re living in a sober living home when a housemate relapses and overdoses. You discover him unresponsive. Under the Good Samaritan Law, you can immediately call 911 without fear that you’ll be charged with possession for any substances found in the home related to the incident. Other residents who stay to help are also protected.
Scenario 2: Supporting a Friend
An old friend struggling with addiction contacts you. When you meet, they overdose. Despite your own recovery journey, you can call for help and stay with them without worrying about legal consequences for being present during their drug use.
Scenario 3: Relapse Situation
If you experience a relapse and someone helps you by calling 911, both you and the person helping receive immunity for drug-related offenses connected to that incident. This protection exists even in early recovery when the risk of relapse is highest.
Building a Culture of Accountability and Support
Understanding this law empowers men in recovery to create safer communities. In sober living environments, recovery meetings, and peer support networks, knowing that help can be sought without legal consequences builds trust and accountability.
Creating Safety Plans:
- Discuss the Good Samaritan Law with housemates and recovery peers
- Keep naloxone accessible and ensure multiple people know how to administer it
- Establish clear protocols for emergency situations
- Remove stigma around relapse by emphasizing safety over judgment
- Share emergency contact information within your support network
The Role of Sober Living in Supporting Recovery
Quality sober living environments play a crucial role in successful long-term recovery. These structured settings provide more than just housing—they offer community, accountability, and support during the vulnerable transition from treatment to independent living.
Finding the Right Environment
At Elevate Recovery Homes, we understand the unique challenges men face in recovery. Our structured sober living program in the Denver metro area provides:
Comprehensive Support System: We’re staffed with dedicated House Managers, Certified Addiction Specialists, and Peer Recovery Coaches who offer around-the-clock support and guidance.
Clinical Expertise: Licensed therapists, counselors, and case managers are available to meet diverse individual needs, ensuring comprehensive care beyond just housing.
Structured Environment: We provide daily structure and personal accountability that helps men focus on their goals and build consistent routines supporting lasting recovery.
Strategic Locations: Our homes are located in desirable Denver-area neighborhoods including Arvada, Denver, Centennial, Englewood, Westminster, and Northglenn—offering peaceful settings with convenient access to resources.
Community-Centered Approach: We foster a supportive community of men working toward similar goals, creating an environment where residents encourage and support each other.
Philosophy of Action: We believe lasting change requires action. We encourage residents to actively engage through therapy, support groups, and other recovery resources.
Our program recognizes that recovery is multifaceted. We address physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, understanding that true recovery encompasses all aspects of life. Whether you’re transitioning from treatment, need accountability and structure, or are working through co-occurring challenges, our individualized care supports your unique path to lasting recovery.
Knowledge Equals Empowerment
Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law exists because lawmakers recognize that saving lives must take priority over punishment for substance use. For men in recovery, this law represents more than legal protection—it’s a statement that your life matters, that seeking help is the right choice, and that the community stands behind those who act to save others.
Understanding your rights under this law empowers you to act decisively in emergencies. It removes one more barrier between a person in crisis and the help they desperately need. In recovery communities, sober living environments, and everyday life, this knowledge can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Recovery is a journey filled with challenges, but you don’t walk it alone. Laws like this, combined with supportive environments and comprehensive care, create a foundation for lasting success. Whether you’re one day sober or ten years into recovery, knowing you can seek help without fear strengthens your safety net and that of everyone around you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, remember that help is available. Treatment works, recovery is possible, and your life has value. Don’t let fear prevent you from taking that crucial first step—whether it’s calling 911 during an emergency or reaching out for support in your recovery journey.
