Act Fast to Save a Life

In the world of drug addiction, second chances can be hard to come by, and the strength of common street drugs has vastly increased the odds of an opioid overdose. Given these hard realities, it’s never been more critical for people to know what to do if an overdose occurs.

If someone you love struggles with opioid addiction, fast action could be life-saving. And since no one can predict when such an overdose will occur, protecting yourself and your loved one with the medication Naloxone is a prudent precaution.

What is Naloxone?

You may have heard of Naloxone, but perhaps have questions:

• What is this powerful medication?
• How is it prescribed?
• What does it do?
• How can you obtain it and keep it on hand?
• What difference could it make in the event of an opioid overdose?

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Naloxone goes by many names, including the brand names Narcan and Evzio. This protective medication for opioid overdoses has become such a vital lifesaving tool many ambulance crews, police officers, and EMTs are now carrying it.

However, when an opioid overdose takes place, you may be the first person on the scene, and having an available supply of Naloxone could save a life.

How is Naloxone Administered?

Many people don’t know how Naloxone is administered and how it can stop an opioid overdose in its tracks. One of the most crucial things to know about this potentially lifesaving drug is that it can be given in several ways, most commonly through injection, auto-injection, or nasal spray.

If you plan to keep a supply of Naloxone on hand to defend against an opioid overdose. In that case, it is vital everyone in the household, including the person suffering from drug addiction, knows how to use it.

If you purchase Naloxone at your local pharmacy, the pharmacist can show you how to administer it properly. You can also talk to your doctor about Naloxone options and how to safely provide the drug to your loved one.

Who Can Give Naloxone in the Event of an Overdose?

Another important benefit of using Naloxone is that it does not have to be administered by a healthcare professional. While doctors, nurses, EMTs, and ambulance crews now routinely carry the drug, family members can also deliver the medication should the need arise.

If someone in your household is suffering from a suspected opioid overdose, you can use your supply of Naloxone to reverse the effects. That does not mean that you can skip the call to 911.  You should still request help right away.  While you are waiting for help to arrive, you can deliver a dose of Naloxone which provides is more time, something that’s extremely important since every second matters during an opioid overdose.

Where Can I Get Naloxone?

In the past, Naloxone and other similar medications were tightly controlled, available only by prescription, and requiring a physician’s visit. But as the power of this drug in reversing opioid overdoses became more evident, the laws governing its administration were quickly relaxed.

These days, family members can obtain a supply of Naloxone at their local pharmacy or their doctor’s office. If someone in your family is suffering from drug addiction, you owe it to them and yourself to keep this lifesaving medication on hand.

How Much Does Naloxone Cost?

Given the life-saving potential of the drug, cost should not impede its use. If you are worried you will not be able to afford Naloxone for someone you know, ask your doctor, local pharmacist, or rehabilitation facility how you can obtain the medication.

Most health insurers now cover Naloxone, often at no cost to the addict or their family members. In addition to health insurance companies, many social service agencies and governmental entities offer the drug at no charge.

If someone you love is struggling to overcome drug addiction, every day can be filled with worry. Loved ones live in fear of a worst-case scenario that their family member or friend will suffer an opioid overdose. Yet, help remains possible in the form of Naloxone, giving your loved one a second chance at life.

When an opioid overdose occurs, it’s imperative to react immediately and decisively. Pick up the phone, call 911, administer Naloxone, and wait for help to arrive. Once the emergency has passed, it’s essential to seek help to prevent the experience from happening again.

Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab at 877.969.1993 to begin the process of overcoming opioid addiction today. Our professional services and drug treatment programs can help you, or your loved one heal permanently by beating addiction and living a happier, more stable, and truly fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.