Narcan Saves Lives
Narcan saves lives. For many using drugs, they do not have the resources or money to pay for testing every time they smoke or inject a substance. Narcan is the standard for saving someone from an opiate overdose. Most of the heroin and a great deal of the other substances being sold on the street are mixed with fentanyl, a powerful opiate synthetic. Fentanyl leads to rapid overdose and death if not reversed in a timely manner. When mainlining heroin, users will often become unconscious or "fall out" before even finishing injecting. Because of this high risk of overdose it is important to know how to use narcan and carry it with you at all times. Even if you are not a drug user, knowing how to reverse an overdose can save a life should you see someone in the middle of an overdose. It is important to also know that narcan can wear off leading the person back into an overdosed state thus necessitating a new dose of narcan. If the person has taken a high enough dosage, they may also need several narcan doses to bring them back from their initial overdose.
Know that when someone gives a dose of Narcan, it blocks the opiate receptors and places the person into immediate withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal is a very painful experience so when the person comes about, they may be combative and disoriented. Although they may not have malicious intent it is important to know that is a reaction that can definitely occur. It may be helpful to administer the Narcan and then take some space until the EMTs arrive to help the person further.
Know that when someone gives a dose of Narcan, it blocks the opiate receptors and places the person into immediate withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal is a very painful experience so when the person comes about, they may be combative and disoriented. Although they may not have malicious intent it is important to know that is a reaction that can definitely occur. It may be helpful to administer the Narcan and then take some space until the EMTs arrive to help the person further.