Saving Lives with Naloxone

What is Naloxone?

You may have heard about naloxone (aka Narcan) in the media. This isn't yet another drug to be misused and contribute to drug problems in society. In fact, it's safe, nonaddictive, and a fantastic tool to save a life in an opioid overdose crisis. Anyone can use naloxone to reverse the effects of an opioid drug overdose.

What is Naloxone?

You may have heard about naloxone (aka Narcan) in the media. This isn't yet another drug to be misused and contribute to drug problems in society. In fact, it's safe, nonaddictive, and a fantastic tool to save a life in an opioid overdose crisis. Anyone can use naloxone to reverse the effects of an opioid drug overdose.

Where can I get Naloxone?

We encourage everyone to carry naloxone like you would tissues or hand sanitizer. Here are three sources of naloxone in Otsego and Chenango Counties.

• LEAF & OneontaNarcan Initiative: This local community partnership provides ONEbox™ kits. These special kits contain four doses of naloxone in a nasal spray as well as simple instructions for use. Call us at (607) 432-0090 for more information.
• Pharmacies: Naloxone is also sold in many pharmacies, and some insurances may cover it.
• Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego (FORDO): For those local to the Oneonta area, there is a Narcan vending machine at 22 Elm Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

The kits come with an easy-to-use nasal spray and simple instructions. If you own a local business, why not contact us about a kit to have on-premises?

Overcoming barriers to the use of Naloxone

In the past, it hasn't always been easy to get hold of naloxone. Today, pharmacies and nonprofits have supplies, and individuals and local businesses can keep naloxone on hand. 

Some people may be concerned about the legal repercussions of intervening in an overdose situation. However, most states have "Good Samaritan" laws that generally provide legal protection to individuals who, in good faith, seek to assist someone in need during an emergency, including situations involving drug overdoses.

A wider issue is that some people may not be sympathetic to people with drug addiction and discourage the widespread use of naloxone. Opioid users can be perceived as lacking willpower, choosing to be addicted, and being irresponsible, a burden on society, beyond help, criminals. 

These stereotypes ignore the involuntary nature of the disease of addiction. They can make people with addiction feel ashamed and prevent people from admitting they are ill and need help. 

West, B. and Varacallo, M. (2022) "Good Samaritan Laws," National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542176/

 National Institute on Drug Abuse "Stigma and Discrimination," nida.nih.gov/research-topics/stigma-discrimination#stigma

At LEAF, we work to overcome these barriers and save lives using naloxone.

Make a difference

What could you do today to make a difference in the opioid crisis and somebody's life?

• Carry naloxone and be ready for an emergency.
• Educate yourself by reading our blog How You Can Respond to an Opioid Overdose for further details on opioid overdose symptoms and the right response. [LINK]
• Get hold of a ONEbox™ kit if you are a local business owner and could have naloxone available on-premises.
• Spread the word by telling three people about the purpose and availability of ONEbox™ kits in the local community.
• Destigmatize addiction by talking openly about this public health issue.

For fact sheets and training on Naloxone, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Naloxone.  

#CommunitySupport #OpioidAwareness #OpioidCrisis #SaveALife