Why Everyone Should Carry Narcan, Even If You Don’t Use Drugs
Every day, families across America lose loved ones to opioid overdoses that could have been prevented. A medication called Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, has become one of the most important tools available to save lives. It is easy to use, safe, and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes.
The question is no longer whether first responders should carry Narcan. The question is why more members of the public aren’t carrying it too.
Opioid Overdoses Can Happen Anywhere
Many people assume opioid overdoses only affect individuals who use illegal drugs. The reality is much different.
Prescription pain medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl can all cause life-threatening overdoses. Illicit fentanyl has also become increasingly common in counterfeit pills and other street drugs, meaning someone may unknowingly consume a deadly amount of opioids.
An overdose can happen in a parking lot, restaurant, school, workplace, concert, or even at home. Having Narcan nearby can mean the difference between life and death while waiting for emergency responders.
Narcan Is Safe to Use
Narcan works by temporarily blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain, allowing the person’s breathing to return. It has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids, making it extremely safe to administer if you suspect an overdose. (Walgreens)
If a person is unconscious, breathing very slowly, or not breathing at all, giving Narcan immediately while calling 911 can provide valuable time until paramedics arrive. More than one dose may be needed in some cases, especially when fentanyl is involved. (Walgreens)
Carrying Narcan Saves Lives
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, teachers, librarians, security guards, and everyday citizens have all successfully used Narcan to save lives.
You don’t have to know someone who uses opioids to make a difference. Just as many people carry CPR masks or first aid kits without expecting to use them, carrying Narcan is another way to be prepared for an emergency.
A few minutes can be the difference between a full recovery and a fatal overdose.
Where You Can Get Narcan
Narcan has become much easier to obtain than it was just a few years ago.
You can purchase over-the-counter Narcan nasal spray at most major pharmacies, including Walgreens, without a prescription. (Walgreens)
In Texas, many pharmacists are also authorized to dispense naloxone under approved standing order programs. (Texas Pharmacy)
Free naloxone is also available through a number of community organizations and state-supported programs. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains an interactive map showing locations where free naloxone is available across the state. (Texas Health Data)
Additionally, the Texas-based Naloxone Texas program distributes free naloxone to eligible individuals and organizations throughout the state. (Naloxone Texas)
Learn Before You Need It
Carrying Narcan is only part of the solution. Learning how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and knowing how to administer the medication can help you respond confidently during an emergency.
If you suspect someone has overdosed:
Call 911 immediately.
Administer Narcan according to the instructions.
Continue monitoring the person’s breathing.
Give additional doses if needed while waiting for emergency responders.
Stay with the person until help arrives.
A Small Item That Can Make a Big Difference
You hope you’ll never need to use a fire extinguisher, CPR, or Narcan. But emergencies rarely happen when they’re expected.
A Narcan nasal spray is small enough to fit in a backpack, purse, glove box, or camera bag. It costs little compared to the value of a human life, and in many communities it is available free of charge.
One person carrying Narcan may never know whose life they could save. But for someone experiencing an opioid overdose, having that medication nearby could mean getting another chance to go home to their family.