What is Naloxone
Naloxone, also known as narcan, is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Unfortunately, a great deal of stigma surrounds naloxone and those who use it. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help during an overdose and can even lead to deaths that could have been prevented. It's important to remember that addiction is a disease, and individuals who struggle with it deserve compassion and support. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can give individuals a second chance at recovery. It's crucial to reduce the stigma around naloxone and focus on providing education and resources to those who need it. By destigmatizing naloxone and treating substance use as a medical issue, we can save lives and support individuals on their journey to recovery.
Who should carry Naloxone
Family and friends: If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those with opioid use disorder (OUD), you should carry naloxone and keep it at home.
People who are taking high-dose opioid medications (greater or equal to 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor, people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together, and people who use drugs, should all carry naloxone. Because you cannot use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in case you experience an opioid overdose.
Why carry Naloxone
Carrying naloxone provides an extra layer of protection for those at a higher risk for overdose. Although most professional first responders and emergency departments carry naloxone, they may not arrive in time to reverse an opioid overdose. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone having an overdose, and potentially save a life. Bystanders such as friends, family, non-health care providers, and persons who use drugs can reverse an opioid overdose with naloxone.
Where can I find Naloxone in Shasta County
- Pharmacies: Naloxone (narcan) is available to people with insurance without a prescription at participating pharmacies. Many private insurances also cover the cost of naloxone; for more information call your insurance provider.
- Syringe Services Program
- CommUNITY Mobile Care Clinic
- Resources in California — NEXT Distro (Get Narcan mailed to you)
How to use Naloxone
- CDPH Training Video: How To Use Narcan.
- Narcan Instructions & Overdose Prevention Pamphlet
Laws and regulations
California laws protect persons who give naloxone and make naloxone more readily available.
Good Samaritan Law
A person cannot be liable for any civil damages that result from his or her providing of emergency care, if:
- The person acted in good faith, and not for compensation;
- The person provided either emergency medical care or nonmedical care; and
- The care was provided at the scene of an emergency.
