NARCAN Info
NARCAN article
Written by Tessa Stevenson MS, LPC
Trigger Warning: this article contains topics of substance use, overdose, and death
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is an FDA-approved medication for an opioid overdose. It works quickly to block the effects of the ingested opioid and in-turn helps restore normal breathing if breathing had slowed or stopped. Narcan can be used in a nasal spray form or an injection into the bloodstream or muscle. In the case that Narcan is administered without any opioids in the system, these effects will not take place. This is a lifesaving medication that has been helping to prevent deaths from opioid overdose, but informing the general population about how and why it is used is essential.
In 2010, law enforcement agencies began to require officers to carry Narcan to be used in the event they were called to or made aware of an opioid overdose. A 2015 study showed a decrease in deaths caused by opioid overdose due to the quick availability of Narcan when carried by law enforcement officers. Beginning in 2015, over-the-counter Narcan became available to the public and to this day you can obtain Narcan from most pharmacies for less than $20. There is also a training put on by the Narcan Direct program that allows you to complete a short, informational course on Narcan and receive it for free. Resources available in Wisconsin specifically are listed below.
In Wisconsin, there is a law titled the Good Samaritan Law that protects anyone from criminal prosecution for seeking help for a potential overdose for themselves or someone else. It is important to be aware of this as many hesitate to call for help due to the fear of getting into trouble. Some also wonder if the increased popularity of carrying Narcan inherently encourages and condones the use of illegal opioid substances. From the perspective of harm reduction, carrying a life-saving medication does not prevent the use of any substance, but it does work to reduce the chances of death by overdosing. Additionally, many doctors have started prescribing Narcan to those who are on higher doses or multiple prescription opioid medications.
Overall, the increase in popularity of obtaining and carrying Narcan is what we can do to save a life from potential opioid overdoses. It is important to know the resources available to you whether you use substances, are around those who use substances, or simply want to be prepared in case you find yourself as a bystander. If you are looking for steps you can take, see below for ideas and resources that are accessible to you.
What can you do?
Find resources on what is available in Wisconsin in terms of Narcan, fentanyl test strips, safe needle disposal options, and more harm reduction resources here
Locate of pharmacy near you that carries Narcan
Download the substance use and opioid overdose toolkit here
Spread accurate information to those you know who may be at risk for an opioid overdose
Sources
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma18-4742.pdf