Resources

What is Naloxone and Why is it Important?
Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. If you, or your loved one, is involved with opioid based substances, for whatever reason, in any form, keeping Naloxone on hand can help to prevent an overdose tragedy. Naloxone provides a critical window of opportunity during which you can get someone experiencing an opioid overdose the medical attention they need.
Please note that Naloxone, in the nasal spray form of Narcan, is available to anyone, over the counter, at your local pharmacy.

If you can recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, you could save a life. Here is how to recognize an opioid overdose:
● Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils"
● Falling asleep or losing consciousness
● Slow, weak or no breathing
● Choking or gurgling sounds
● Limp body
● Cold and/or clammy skin
● Discolored, blue, or grey skin (especially in lips and nails)

How to respond to an opioid overdose:
It can be hard to know if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose. If you are not sure, treat it like an overdose - you could save a life. You will not harm a person who is not overdosing on opioids by administering Naloxone.

1. CALL 911 and GIVE A DOSE OF NALOXONE. With a Fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of Naloxone may need to be given.
2. Keep the person awake and breathing (suggest that they blow on their hand).
3. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
4. Stay with the person until 911 responders arrive.

Want to know more about Naloxone?
Naloxone is a drug intended to quickly reverse an opioid overdose and is available in multiple forms. The nasal spray form, known as Narcan, is easily administered by anyone and does not require specific medical training.

Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioid drugs (like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain relievers), but it blocks the effects of those opioids. In other words, Naloxone "kicks" the opioid off the receptors, helping to reverse the effects of the overdose. This is important be opioids - like pain killers, heroin, and fentanyl - can slow down breathing to a dangerous level and Naloxone restores normal breathing, potentially saving a person’s life.

It is important to remember that Naloxone is a temporary solution. Once administered, it is imperative to call 911 because the effects of the Naloxone can wear off and the person can slip back into an overdose.

How & Where to Access Naloxone:
Naloxone is a crucial tool in combating the opioid crisis because it is both safe and will not cause harm if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.

Anyone can get Naloxone from your Local Pharmacy or from a local organization that has a naloxone distribution program, such as a local opioid or overdose safety coalition or a syringe services program.

If you or someone you know is misusing or addicted to opioids, then Cope Recovery is available to talk to you about treatment options and help you find ways to better care for yourself and your loved one. We are here to help you and to serve as a resource.