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.

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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 877-855-3470 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 more time, something that’s extremely important since every second matters during an opioid overdose.

Naloxone is Saving Lives

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. It’s now much easier to access Naloxone without the need for a prescription, making it readily available to those who may need it most. Pharmacies across many states offer Naloxone over-the-counter, ensuring that individuals and families can quickly acquire it in case of an emergency.

Furthermore, many community health organizations and clinics provide Naloxone for free or at a reduced cost as part of public health initiatives to combat the opioid crisis. If you’re looking for additional support and resources, including comprehensive addiction treatment, searching for rehab near me can help you find the nearest WhiteSands Treatment center. Here, you can receive professional guidance and access to a range of services designed to aid in recovery and prevent future overdoses.

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. To find the nearest support, simply search for a rehabilitation center near me and connect with the closest WhiteSands facility for assistance.

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 877-855-3470 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.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.