The opioid crisis has touched nearly every community in the United States, and as a result, the need for accessible overdose prevention tools has become urgent. Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It’s now more available than ever through pharmacies, clinics, and community organizations. A lingering stigma around Narcan’s use can prevent people from seeking this crucial tool or training in how to administer it. It’s essential to remove that stigma! Narcan training can empower families, friends, and communities to save lives.
Why Naloxone is Crucial in the Fight Against Overdose
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it works by temporarily blocking opioid effects on the brain, restoring breathing and consciousness in people experiencing an overdose. Opioid overdoses often occur quickly and can be fatal within minutes if left untreated. With opioids like fentanyl increasingly being found in other substances, the risk of overdose is higher than ever, even for those who may not realize they are consuming an opioid.
Immediate access to Naloxone can mean the difference between life and death. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly 70% of overdose deaths involve opioids, and naloxone has already played a significant role in reducing fatalities in many communities According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, when administered promptly, naloxone is highly effective, giving emergency responders or bystanders time to call for medical assistance and prevent fatal outcomes.
Breaking the Stigma Around Naloxone
Despite its life-saving potential, Narcan is sometimes associated with negative assumptions. Misunderstandings can lead people to believe that carrying Narcan somehow condones or enables drug use. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Naloxone is a safety tool, no different from carrying a fire extinguisher or learning CPR—it’s there to prevent a crisis from turning fatal.
Family members and friends often feel powerless against the disease of addiction affecting someone they care about. Learning to administer naloxone offers a proactive way to be prepared in case of an emergency, allowing them to potentially save a life if an overdose occurs. Instead of focusing on judgment, it’s important to recognize Narcan as an essential tool that can keep loved ones alive, giving them another chance to seek recovery and support.
Prescribed Naloxone or Co-Prescribed with Opioids
In order to reduce the risk of overdose deaths, clinicians are strongly advised to consider prescribing or co-prescribing naloxone and providing education about its use. The US Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance to individuals vulnerable to overdose and emphasizes patients who would benefit from co-prescribing naloxone along with opioids. HealthyChildren.org, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends the co-prescribing of naloxone when opioids are prescribed for any reason. Learn more in NACoA’s blog: When Your Child Needs Prescription Opioids.
Naloxone Training: Empowering Communities to Act
Naloxone training is simple, accessible, and effective. Community organizations, pharmacies, and healthcare providers often offer free or low-cost training sessions, and naloxone kits are increasingly easy to access without a prescription. These training sessions teach individuals to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, including symptoms like slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, and blue or purple skin coloration. They also provide guidance on proper Narcan administration, which usually involves a nasal spray that’s quick and easy for anyone to use.
Learning these skills empowers friends and family members to act swiftly and confidently in an emergency. And beyond families, Narcan training is valuable for people in any community setting—teachers, coaches, employees in public-facing roles, and even teens are increasingly seeking this training to protect their communities.
A Compassionate Approach to Overdose Prevention
Addressing the stigma around naloxone also means fostering an understanding of addiction as a chronic medical condition rather than a moral failing. By recognizing substance use disorders as health conditions, communities can approach naloxone use as an extension of public health and harm reduction. Through compassionate action, training, and understanding, we can reduce overdose deaths and help pave the way for more individuals to enter recovery.
How You Can Get Involved
If you want to support overdose prevention efforts, consider getting trained in Narcan administration and encourage others to do the same. Many organizations, such as local health departments and nonprofits, provide naloxone kits and training sessions. By openly discussing the importance of overdose prevention tools, we help remove the stigma and create an environment where people feel supported in using Narcan to save lives.
Naloxone is an invaluable tool that should be as commonplace as first aid or CPR training. By promoting naloxone use without judgment, we not only save lives but also support a compassionate, proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis—helping families and communities work together to protect and support their loved ones.
Learn More through an online training by the Red Cross about opioid overdose, and the administration of all types of Narcan.
