If you or someone you know use opioids, understanding naloxone can be a crucial step in staying safe. Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.
This guide will explain what it is, how it works, and why it is essential for anyone who uses opioids.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Understanding how to use it and having it readily available can protect you and your loved ones in an emergency. By spreading awareness and making it accessible, we can all contribute to reducing the devastating impact of the opioid crisis.
How does it work?
When someone overdoses on opioids, their breathing can slow down or stop completely, leading to death if not promptly treated. Naloxone works by quickly displacing opioids from the receptors in the brain. This restores normal breathing within minutes, buying critical time for emergency medical help to arrive.
Types of naloxone
Naloxone is available in two forms, making it accessible and easy to use.
Injectable: Administered by healthcare professionals or trained individuals using a syringe. It is typically injected into a muscle.
Nasal spray: This is the most user-friendly form and can be administered by anyone, even without medical training. The nasal spray is squirted into one nostril while the person lies on their back.
Why is naloxone important?
The opioid crisis has reached alarming levels, with overdose deaths continuing to rise. It is a critical tool in combating this epidemic. Why? Because…
It saves lives: It can reverse an overdose in minutes, giving emergency responders time to provide further medical care.
It’s easily accessible: It’s available without a prescription in many places, making it easy for anyone to obtain.
It’s non-addictive and safe: It has no potential for abuse and doesn’t produce a high. It only works if opioids are in the system and has minimal side effects.
How to use it
Administering naloxone is straightforward, but it’s essential to act quickly:
Step one: Recognise the signs of overdose. Look for symptoms such as unconsciousness, slow or no breathing, blue or purple lips/nails, and pinpoint pupils.
Step two: Get the person into the recovery position and administer. Follow the instructions for the form of naloxone you have. For nasal spray, tilt the person’s head back and spray into one nostril. For an auto-injector, press it against the thigh and hold it in place until it delivers the dose.
Step three: Call 999. Even if the person seems to recover, they still need medical attention.
Step four: Stay with the person. Naloxone’s effects last for 30-90 minutes, but opioids can last longer. Monitor the person until help arrives, as they may need additional doses.
Where to get naloxone
Naloxone is available at many pharmacies, often without a prescription. Some community organisations, needle exchange programs, and health departments also distribute naloxone for free.
Our services with naloxone available include:
Spark (Blackburn with Darwen): St John’s Court, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, BB2
There can be stigma associated with carrying naloxone but remember: it’s a sign of responsibility and care. Whether you use opioids or know someone who does, having it on hand can mean the difference between life and death.
For more information or to learn more about our drug misuse services, please get in touch with us today on: 01254 495014 or email us on BWD@calico.org.uk.