Our country is facing a truly unprecedented opioid use epidemic. With overdoses on the rise throughout the US, it is crucial that drug users be treated properly and effectively. With that being said, the administering of Naloxone can save lives by reducing the effects of an opioid overdose. Here at Victory, we see how beneficial this medication is, and we are continually educating both staff and patients on the life-saving ability of Naloxone.
How Naloxone Works
What exactly is Naloxone? According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, known as the DEA, Naloxone is an antagonist that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. This includes the fatal overdoses that could arise from using opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and other prescription opioids. It works by attaching to opioid receptors while reversing and blocking the potentially deadly effects of the opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. The administering of Naloxone is very simple. It can be given as a spray, or injected into one’s muscles, under the skin, or in veins.
Administering Naloxone During an Overdose
An important point to note is that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Naloxone won’t harm someone who is overdosing on drugs that aren’t opioids. Therefore, the CDC recommends that you should administer Naloxone even if you aren’t certain that the overdose is due to an opioid. This removes any risk regarding administering Naloxone to someone who is overdosing on a drug other than opioids. Once Naloxone is administered, the CDC suggests waiting for emergency help to arrive, along with waiting several hours for the user’s breathing to return to normal.
Important Steps to Take If Overdose Occurs
If someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, it is highly recommended that you carry Naloxone with you. While you cannot administer Naloxone to yourself, if you let others know that you’re carrying it, they can administer it to you if needed. Most pharmacies in the US have Naloxone available, and many states even allow you to purchase it without a prescription.
If you believe someone is overdosing, take the following steps immediately:
Call 911 immediately.
Administer Naloxone if you have access to it.
Do your best to keep the user awake so that they continue breathing.
Carefully place the user on their side. This will prevent them from choking.
Do not leave the user unattended – stay with them until medical assistance arrives.
Victory Recovery Partners Can Help
Victory Recovery Partners is a network of five addiction and recovery centers on Long Island, New York. We see first-hand the dangers that opioid use presents to our vulnerable patient population, and we are continually educating both our patients and staff on the benefits of Naloxone in preventing fatal overdoses. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, we would like to help and provide the treatment that will result in complete and total recovery. Learn more about Victory Recovery Partners by visiting our website, www.victoryrp.com
