Narcan, scientifically known as naloxone, is an emergency medication designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022. As opioid-related deaths continue to rise globally, having knowledge and access to Narcan can be a critical factor in preventing fatal outcomes during an overdose.
What Is Narcan?
Narcan (naloxone) is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and can reverse or block the effects of other opioids. It can quickly restore normal breathing in individuals where it has slowed or stopped due to overdosing on heroin or prescription opioid medications. It comes primarily in the form of a nasal spray, making it easy to administer without medical training.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
Identifying an opioid overdose promptly can save lives. Symptoms of an overdose are distinct and include severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and pinpoint pupils. Additional signs include:
- Skin that feels clammy to the touch
- Body going limp
- Fingernails or lips turning blue or purplish
- Vomiting or gurgling noises
- An inability to awaken the person or speak to them
- Breathing that is very slow, shallow, or has stopped
- Heartbeat that is slow or has stopped Recognizing these signs swiftly is crucial in administering Narcan effectively.
How to Use Narcan: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Narcan Dose
Before administering Narcan, check the package for expiry dates and any visible damage to ensure the medication is safe to use. Each Narcan nasal spray contains a single dose and is designed for one-time use.
Administration Techniques: Nasal Spray
Administering Narcan nasal spray involves simple steps:
- First, lay the person on their back to ensure they are in a safe position for treatment.
- Hold the nasal spray device between your fingers with the thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
- Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril. Tilt the person’s head back slightly and provide support under the neck with your free hand.
- Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the nostril. The nasal spray does not require inhalation by the patient as it will absorb through the nasal membranes.
What to Do Immediately After Administering Narcan
Once Narcan is administered, it’s vital to:
- Immediately call emergency services.
- Stay with the person and monitor their condition. Turn them on their side into the recovery position to prevent choking if they begin to vomit.
- If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose if available.
What to Do After a Loved One Overdoses
When a loved one experiences an overdose, it can be a shocking and heart-wrenching event. After addressing the immediate medical needs with measures like administering Narcan and ensuring professional medical care, it’s essential to consider the long-term well-being of the individual. One critical step in supporting their recovery and preventing future incidents is considering an intervention.
Understanding the Need for an Intervention
An intervention is a structured conversation between an individual struggling with addiction and their loved ones, often guided by a professional interventionist or therapist. The primary goal is to help the individual recognize the severity of their situation and encourage them to accept treatment. Here’s why an intervention can be crucial after an overdose:
- Acknowledgment of the Issue: Often, individuals suffering from addiction are in denial about their condition and its severity. An overdose can serve as a wake-up call, and an intervention can help capitalize on this moment of clarity, encouraging the individual to acknowledge their need for help.
- Structured Support: An intervention provides a safe space for expressing concerns and support. It allows family and friends to communicate their feelings constructively, without judgment or confrontation, which can often be received more openly by the individual suffering.
- Professional Guidance: Interventions guided by professionals can help steer the conversation in a productive direction, ensuring that the individual feels supported rather than attacked. Professionals can also help manage reactions and emotions that arise during the intervention, keeping the focus on recovery and solutions.
- Planning for Recovery: A significant part of an intervention is laying out a clear plan for recovery. This includes discussing treatment options, setting up rehabilitation plans, and, importantly, defining the steps that the individual and their support network will take immediately following the intervention.
An intervention can be a pivotal moment in the life of someone struggling with addiction, especially after the traumatic event of an overdose. By carefully planning and conducting an intervention, you provide your loved one with a powerful opportunity for recovery and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
Start the Journey to Recovery
Understanding how to use Narcan and keeping it accessible can be a lifesaving measure. As the opioid crisis continues to affect lives, being prepared with Narcan could mean the difference between life and death. It is a powerful tool that everyone should consider keeping within reach, especially those with loved ones at risk for opioid overdose.
If your loved one is struggling with opioid use or another form of drug addiction, get in touch with Reflection Family Interventions. Our professional interventionists are dedicated to helping individuals and their loved ones start the journey to recovery.
FAQs
Yes, Narcan is safe to use on anyone suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose. It specifically targets opioid receptors without adverse effects on individuals not exposed to opioids.
The effects of Narcan typically last between 30 to 90 minutes. Since it may wear off before the opioids in the system, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after administration.
Yes, Narcan can be used safely on children and infants experiencing an opioid overdose. The dosing is the same as for adults, as the medication is dosed per incident, not by body weight.
In 2023, the FDA approved Narcan to be sold over the counter. Narcan is available at most pharmacies, often without a prescription. It can also be obtained through community health programs, some clinics, and online.
Call emergency services immediately, administer Narcan if available, and ensure the person is in a safe position (recovery position) while you wait for help to arrive.
- Alcohol: Particularly in the case of severe alcohol intoxication or withdrawal (delirium tremens).
- Amphetamines and Methamphetamine: High doses or prolonged use can cause psychosis, characterized by paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.
- Cocaine: Can induce psychosis with symptoms similar to those seen with amphetamines.
- Hallucinogens: Such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms can cause vivid hallucinations and delusional thinking during intoxication.
Yes, there are different forms of naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan, each designed for ease of use and quick administration during an opioid overdose emergency. The most commonly known and widely used forms are:
- Nasal Spray: The most popular and recognized form is the Narcan nasal spray. It is pre-filled and requires no assembly, making it particularly user-friendly. The nasal spray allows bystanders without medical training to administer naloxone quickly and effectively by spraying the solution into one nostril of the person who has overdosed.
- Injectable Naloxone: Before the nasal spray became popular, naloxone was primarily administered by injection. This form is still used by medical professionals and in some emergency response settings. The injectable version requires a vial of naloxone solution and a syringe. It can be administered intramuscularly (into the muscle), subcutaneously (under the skin), or intravenously (into a vein). However, this form requires some training to administer correctly.
- Auto-Injector: Some brands offer naloxone in an auto-injector form, similar to an EpiPen, which provides verbal instructions through the device as it is used. This form of naloxone injection simplifies the process and reduces the risk of improper administration.
