Learn more about Naxolone

Addiction is a complex issue and recovery can take time. Carrying Naloxone isn’t about a person’s choice in the moment—it’s about the broader picture, which is giving them a chance to survive and, eventually, get the help they need. By saving someone’s life with naloxone, you give them the opportunity to turn things around, whether that happens today, tomorrow, or later down the road. We never know when someone might be ready to change, and naloxone can be the life-saving moment that creates space for that change. Everyone deserves a chance at life, and by carrying naloxone, you're offering that chance.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids attach to, specifically the mu-opioid receptors. Opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, activate these receptors, which can slow or stop breathing, leading to overdose. Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks these receptors, reversing the life-threatening effects of the overdose.

By displacing opioids from the receptors, naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing, often within minutes. However, its effects are temporary, so it's important to seek emergency medical help right after administering naloxone, as the effects of opioids may outlast those of naloxone.

Naloxone is specifically designed to reverse opioid overdoses, so it does not work on overdoses caused by other types of drugs, such as:

• Stimulants: Naloxone does not reverse overdoses from substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, or ecstasy.
• Benzodiazepines: Drugs like Xanax, Valium, or Ativan, which are often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders, are not affected by naloxone.
• Alcohol: Naloxone does not counteract alcohol poisoning.
• Other non-opioid drugs: Naloxone also does not work for overdoses from substances such as barbiturates, nicotine, or marijuana.

While naloxone may not work on these drugs, it's still SAFE to administer if you suspect an overdose, as it won't harm someone who isn't experiencing an opioid overdose. However, for non-opioid overdoses, emergency medical help should be called immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide for Using Narcan

1. Recognize the Signs of an Overdose
   • Unresponsive or difficult to wake up
   • Slow or irregular breathing, or no breathing at all
   • Blue or pale skin, especially around the lips or fingertips
   • Pinpoint pupils
2. Call 911 Immediately
   • Even if you use Narcan, it’s important to call for emergency medical help. Narcan can reverse an overdose temporarily, but the person still needs medical attention.
3. Administer Narcan
   • Narcan Nasal Spray:
     • Remove the nasal spray from the box. 
     • Place the nozzle into one of the person’s nostrils. 
     • Press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
     • Ensure you’ve used the full spray.
   • Narcan Injection (IM or Subcutaneous):
     • Inject into the thigh or upper arm muscle, or under the skin.
     • If you are unsure of the injection site, the outer thigh is a good choice.
   • Monitor the Person
     • After administering Narcan, stay with the person. Overdose symptoms may return after 30-90 minutes, so you may need to give a second dose if they do not wake up or continue to struggle with breathing.
   • Provide CPR if Necessary
     • If the person is not breathing or breathing very slowly, perform CPR while waiting for emergency responders. Continue CPR until help arrives.

Important Notes:

• Narcan works quickly, but it is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call 911. 
• If the person does not respond after 2-3 doses, they may have ingested a substance that Narcan cannot reverse, and emergency medical care is even more urgent.
• Make sure to store Narcan in a safe place, out of the reach of children.

Narcan Saves Lives. The road to recovery starts with survival. Give them the chance with naloxone."