We hear something about the opioid crisis or the opioid epidemic nearly every day, but what does that really mean? The number of overdose deaths from prescription and illicit opioids in the United States doubled from 21,089 in 2010 to 42,249 in 2016, largely due to the increasing availability of fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted the importance of naloxone as an overdose reversal agent and suggests that both healthcare professionals and members of the public carry the drug and learn how to properly use it.
Naloxone is a medication called an “opioid antagonist,” which means it blocks the effects of opioids by attaching to the opioid receptors without activating them. Opioid overdoses slow or stop breathing, and naloxone temporarily reverses these effects. Research has shown that when it is provided to a community, along with education about its use, the number of opioid overdoses decreases notably. In most states, people who are at risk or who know someone who is at risk for an opioid overdose can go to a pharmacy or community-based program, to receiving training on the administration of naloxone and acquire naloxone by standing order, meaning without a patient-specific prescription.
If you find yourself in a situation where you think you need to use naloxone but aren’t sure how to administer it, there are some guidelines you can follow. First, call 911. The naloxone isn’t a cure; it just temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose, and the patient will still need to see an actual medical professional. To ensure that they don’t choke if they vomit, put them in the recovery position — on their side with the bottom arm under the head and the top leg crossed over the body. Now you can use the naloxone.
If you have the Evzio auto-injector, place the black end against the person’s mid-outer thigh. It can be injected through clothing if necessary. Press firmly and hold in place for five seconds. Don’t worry too much about counting the time – the device has a voice recording that provides step-by-step instructions, including letting you know when it’s time to stop.
Instead of the auto-injector, you might have a syringe and a vial or a pre-filled cartridge of naloxone. All you have to do is inject it into the muscle of the upper thigh or upper arm.
Narcan nasal spray works pretty much the same way as any other nasal spray, such as allergy medication. Just hold the device with your thumb on the bottom and your first and middle fingers on the sides of the nozzle, insert it into one nostril until your fingers are against the bottom of the person’s nose, and press the plunger. The entire dose of Narcan is sprayed into one nostril.
If the person still isn’t breathing properly, administer rescue breathing (CPR) and stay with them until the paramedics arrive.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
