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In a landscape where overdoses are ravaging the United States, it’s more important than ever to make overdose prevention resources accessible. A low cost barrier is vital to this process, but equally important is making resources approachable. The concept of drug test kits can feel like an overwhelming chemistry project to the average user without proper training and resources, but the recently launched Overdrive Defense has figured out how to make overdose prevention as cool as the party itself.
With two styles of test kits – one for fentanyl, another for drink spikes – they come in a fashionably branded, low-profile container, that looks like your average cigarette box. Its smooth fit into rotations of nightlife essentials is a fascinating concept that has caught the attention of the extreme sports and music scenes who are receptive to overdose prevention and partying safely.
To learn more about Overdrive Defense and their mission to curb overdoses nationwide, we spoke with General Manager Amy Emmerich about lessons she’s learned during her accomplished career, diversifying the kinds of drug-testing kits available to consumers, and her vision for the brand moving forward.
End Overdose: You’ve held key roles at organizations like Refinery29 and the Miss Universe Organization. What are some vital lessons you’ve learned over the years as a leader in the media space?
Amy Emmerich: First and foremost, resilience and the resulting adaptability has been crucial. There are inevitable setbacks, but the ability to bounce back, learn from those experiences, and continue pushing forward is what ultimately makes a leader successful. Being able to quickly pivot, innovate, and stay ahead of trends has been vital to driving success.
Next is the importance of building a strong, diverse team. Diversity—whether it lies in background, perspective, or skill set—creates a more dynamic and creative environment. I’ve always prioritized bringing together a team of people who challenge each other, bring unique ideas to the table, and collectively work toward a shared vision.
I’ve also learned that authenticity and transparency are fundamental to leadership. In a space where audiences crave genuine connections and brands need to build trust, leading with honesty and aligning your company’s values with its actions creates long-term loyalty.
These lessons have not only helped me in my roles but have also been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and guiding teams toward impactful, purpose-driven work.
EO: What inspired you to join the Overdrive Defense team? What initially stood out to you about its concept to reinvent drug safety?
AE: What inspired me to join the Overdrive Defense team was the opportunity to be part of a movement that’s working to transform nightlife safety and support harm reduction on a larger scale. Drink spiking and overdoses are critical issues in nightlife settings, and Overdrive is not only providing solutions, but also changing the narrative around these problems. I was inspired by the team’s dedication to promoting awareness, and turning harm reduction into a mainstream conversation. It’s about creating a culture where people understand that their safety matters, they have the power to protect themselves, and there are tools and strategies available to support them, without stigma or hesitation.
EO: How would you assess Overdrive’s integration into extreme sports and music culture? Why do those scenes seem to be so receptive to your mission?
AE: Our Creative Director, Ryan Weaver’s vision is to integrate Overdrive into extreme sports and music culture - These communities are deeply rooted in pushing boundaries, embracing risk, and living in the moment—all qualities that resonate with Overdrive's focus on empowering individuals to take control of their safety in high-energy environments.
There’s a strong sense of community care in these spaces, where individuals look out for each other, which makes them more open to adopting harm-reduction solutions that enable safer participation. Additionally, both of these cultures are heavily influenced by a younger demographic—one that is more open to conversation about safety and well-being, without stigma. Overdrive’s mission of making safety products accessible and normalizing their use helps bridge the gap between a lifestyle of fun, spontaneity, and responsible self-care, making it a perfect fit for both extreme sports and music culture.
EO: Alongside fentanyl test kits, it’s so essential that Overdrive has developed drink-spike test kits. Can you speak to the importance of diversifying the types of drugs the average person can test for?
AE: The development of Overdrive’s drink-spike test kits alongside fentanyl test kits is a crucial step in addressing the wide range of dangers people face in social and nightlife environments. While fentanyl is a significant threat, there are many other substances that can be harmful, including those used to spike drinks, such as GHB, ketamine, and others. It’s essential that individuals have the ability to test for a variety of substances in order to fully protect themselves.
Diversifying the types of drugs people can test for helps to expand the scope of safety. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer sufficient when it comes to drug safety. Different drugs have different effects and risks, and being able to test for a broader range gives individuals the power to take control of their environment, reducing harm and potentially saving lives.
Additionally, it sends an important message that prevention and safety are multi-faceted. We need to normalize the idea that testing for substances is not just about fentanyl—it's about creating a culture where individuals actively look out for their own well-being and are equipped with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Having a variety of test kits available ensures that people have access to a more comprehensive safety toolkit, ultimately helping to reduce the risks associated with substance use in public and social spaces.
EO: Why do you think it’s important for Overdrive to not only innovate in the drug safety space as a business, but collaborate with non-profit organizations like End Overdose?
AE: It’s incredibly important for Overdrive to not only innovate in the drug safety space as a business but also to collaborate with non-profit organizations like End Overdose because the impact of these issues extends far beyond any single company or product. While Overdrive’s innovations play a crucial role in offering accessible, life-saving tools, partnerships with organizations like End Overdose allow us to leverage their deep expertise and extensive community reach in a way that amplifies the broader mission.
Non-profits have already done significant, foundational work in raising awareness, providing education, and advocating for harm reduction. Their efforts need to be highlighted, respected, and valued. By working with these organizations, we can ensure that we’re building on that important groundwork, rather than reinventing the wheel. Non-profits bring critical insights, resources, and networks that are essential for tackling complex issues like substance abuse, overdose prevention, and harm reduction. By collaborating, we can develop a more holistic, well-rounded approach that combines innovation with on-the-ground support, education, and advocacy.
It’s not just about creating products; it’s about contributing to a larger movement for positive change. The work of non-profits like End Overdose helps to foster a broader culture of care, empathy, and awareness around these issues, which in turn strengthens the effectiveness of our products and messages.
Ultimately, collaboration maximizes the potential for lasting change. By working alongside non-profit organizations, Overdrive is able to extend its impact, reach more people, and contribute to a safer, healthier environment for everyone.
EO: What big-picture goals do you have for Overdrive? How do you see the brand evolving in the coming months and years?
​​AE: The big-picture goal for Overdrive is to create a lasting cultural shift in how people approach nightlife safety. We aim to empower individuals by giving them the tools they need to protect themselves—whether that’s through drink-spike test kits, fentanyl detection, or other harm-reduction products. Ultimately, we want Overdrive to become a household name associated with personal safety and proactive prevention, making these tools as commonplace as a phone or wallet when people go out. Everyone can party but we want them to party safely.
In the coming months and years, we see Overdrive continuing to innovate, expanding our product line, and deepening our partnerships with key organizations in both the private and non-profit sectors. Our mission is to not only provide the products but also to drive awareness and education at a larger scale, reaching more communities and groups across the country and beyond.
We also want to help shape policy and societal attitudes around harm reduction. By partnering with nonprofits, advocacy groups, and industry leaders, Overdrive will play a role in pushing for greater access to life-saving products and driving changes in regulations that prioritize public health and safety.
As we evolve, our goal is for Overdrive to be a trusted ally, helping people take charge of their safety, and ultimately contributing to a safer, more informed world.
**Visit Overdrive Defense's official website here and Instagram here**