September is National Recovery Month and is aimed at educating on treatment and recovery for those with substance use disorders. In 2021, there were 80,000 drug overdose deaths caused by opioids according to the CDC. Death due to opioids is at an all-time high and has increased over 20 times since 2013. Many of these opioid overdoses are deemed accidental and about 20% of them are due to prescription opioids.
Naloxone (NARCAN®), a lifesaving medication, is now available without a prescription. Naloxone is available as a nasal spray and works in minutes by blocking the physical effects of an opioid, such as slowed or stopped breathing. Naloxone has been in the news for many years as a medication carried by first responders, and its new status as an over-the-counter medication will increase access to the general public.
It is important to remember that any person who takes opioids, including prescription opioids, are at risk for opioid overdose, so please consider carrying Naloxone or having it in your emergency kit to counteract life-threatening symptoms.
Education is key and here’s what you need to know to potentially save a life.
The signs of an opioid overdose include slowed or stopped breathing, drowsiness or unconsciousness, a pinpoint pupil or small pupil, choking or gurgling noises, blue tint or discoloration to the hands or feet, cold or clammy skin, and limp body. Good Samaritan Laws are in place to protect bystanders who help others in a medical emergency. Here are the steps you need to take if administering Naloxone:
To educate the public on how to use this lifesaving nasal spray, Walgreens is working with End Overdose, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending drug-related overdose deaths through education, medical intervention and public awareness. Together, they have created an educational preparedness video that explains how an overdose can happen anywhere and affect anyone, how to recognize an overdose and how to respond with naloxone nasal spray.
Over-the-counter (OTC) NARCAN® Nasal Spray is now available for purchase at Walgreens and other drug stores.
If you are concerned that you or someone you care for is at higher risk of opioid overdose, please talk to your primary care doctor. One way to prevent opioid overdoses is to talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about your prescription.
To learn more about Naloxone and how to administer it, the CDC has resources and videos on its website. You can help save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose, and a life that is saved is one that can recover.