The Importance of Carrying Naloxone
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), drug overdose deaths in the U.S. declined between 2017 and 2018, likely due to the increased availability of Naloxone, an antidote medication.
Notably, there has been a significant decrease in overdose deaths from prescription opioids. For instance, in Kentucky, the overdose death rate fell from 27.9 per 100,000 in 2017 to 23.9 in 2018. However, it’s important to note that overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl have risen.
While it is encouraging to see that healthcare efforts are making a positive impact on reducing drug overdose fatalities, much work remains to be done.
If more people carried Naloxone, we could potentially see a further decline in overdose deaths.
You can make a difference in the ongoing opioid crisis by educating yourself about Naloxone, obtaining it, and sharing this information with others.
What Causes a Drug Overdose?
A drug overdose occurs when excessive amounts of opioids overstimulate the brain’s neural pathways, leading to dangerously slowed breathing and, ultimately, death.
A drug overdose occurs when excessive amounts of opioids overstimulate the brain’s neural pathways, leading to dangerously slowed breathing and, ultimately, death.
Additionally, street drugs are often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose. For example, heroin sold on the street is frequently laced with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, enhancing its potency. Dealers may not accurately know how much of this dangerous additive is mixed in, making it potentially deadly.
Additionally, street drugs are often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose. For example, heroin sold on the street is frequently laced with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, enhancing its potency. Dealers may not accurately know how much of this dangerous additive is mixed in, making it potentially deadly.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an emergency antidote that can reverse overdoses caused by methadone, heroin, buprenorphine, morphine, codeine, and opium. Manufactured by Opiant Pharmaceuticals and marketed under the brand name Narcan, Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the neural pathways affected by opioids, reversing the overdose effects.
When Naloxone is administered to someone experiencing an overdose, it typically takes between 2 to 5 minutes to become effective, providing a crucial 20-minute window to seek medical assistance.
It’s important to note that once Naloxone’s effects wear off, the individual may return to an overdose state.
Naloxone is safe to use and poses no risk of abuse. Its widespread availability has undoubtedly contributed to the decline in opioid overdose deaths in the U.S.
Initially, only trained medical professionals were permitted to administer Naloxone. However, new legislation was enacted to broaden access, aiming to save more lives. This legislation now safeguards doctors and pharmacists who provide Naloxone to those in need.
The initiative began in New Mexico in 2001 and has since expanded to all states.
Good Samaritan Overdose Immunity Laws
Many individuals hesitate to call 911 for medical assistance in the event of a drug overdose, fearing legal repercussions.
It’s crucial to set aside this fear. Being honest and seeking help is the fastest way to ensure recovery.
To encourage those hesitant to reach out for assistance, legislation has been enacted to protect callers.
The 911 Immunity Law safeguards individuals from arrest, charges, or prosecution if they are found with drugs or drug paraphernalia after calling 911 for help.
Immunity laws differ from state to state. In some jurisdictions, these laws also extend to situations involving restraining orders, parole violations, or protection order breaches. You can find information about the immunity laws applicable in your state here.
How to Get Naloxone
You can obtain Naloxone through your doctor, who will also provide training on how to recognize an overdose and administer the medication.
In some cases, Naloxone may be covered by insurance, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider.
Different Types of Naloxone
Naloxone can be administered either nasally or via injection. There are three main delivery methods:
- Injection
- Auto-injection
- Nasal spray
In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Evzio, an auto-injector that delivers a dose of Naloxone into the muscle or under the skin. Evzio can also be administered using a syringe.
In 2015, the FDA approved a nasal spray form of Naloxone, marketed under the brand name Narcan.
If you have a friend or family member who is using opioid medication or is struggling with opioid addiction, keeping a Naloxone kit on hand is a wise decision—it could save a life.
What to Do if You Suspect Someone Has Overdosed
If someone has overdosed, they may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Aggressive behavior
- Blue lips or fingers
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Gurgling noises
- Nausea or vomiting
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
If you observe these symptoms and suspect an overdose, administer Naloxone if you have it available.
Regardless, always call 911 immediately.
If someone overdoses and recovers, it is hoped they will seek help for their addiction afterward.
What To Do Next
Addressing the opioid epidemic requires collective action. If everyone in need carried a Naloxone kit, more lives could be saved in overdose situations.
Increased access to Naloxone is a positive step we can build upon. We hope to see overdose death rates continue to decline as our communities work toward healing.
If you have questions about Naloxone or any aspect of addiction, feel free to reach out to our friendly team of experts at Sunrise Recovery in Indiana. Call us today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747.
