8 Myths And Facts About Narcan

Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication that is used to reverse an opioid overdose.

It works by temporarily binding to opioid receptors that block the effects of other opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone.

A 2023 study published in Science estimated that naloxone distribution programs have prevented hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S. since widespread distribution began, with community-based programs showing the strongest impact in high-need areas.

Top Narcan Myths And Facts

Listed below are some of the most common myths associated with Narcan and effective treatment services for opioid addiction.

Narcan Myth One: Naloxone Availability Encourages Drug Abuse

There is no research to suggest that naloxone leads to increased drug use.

Some studies have shown that Narcan availability decreases the use of opioids, as it causes opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Narcan Myth Two: People Can Abuse Narcan Like Any Other Drug

It is not possible to abuse Narcan like other opioid drugs, as it only works to block the effects of opioids.

Additionally, people cannot take naloxone before drug use to avoid an overdose.

Narcan Myth Three: Naloxone Can Be Self-Administered

When a person is experiencing an opioid drug overdose, they are unable to administer naloxone to themselves, as they will be incapacitated.

However, some people who use opioids carry naloxone to self-administer if they recognize early signs of overdose before losing consciousness. Never Use Alone (1-800-484-3731) is a free hotline that stays on the line with people using opioids alone and can call 911 if the person becomes unresponsive.

Narcan Myth Four: Naloxone Is Difficult To Obtain

Since September 2023, Narcan nasal spray has been available over the counter at pharmacies nationwide without a prescription, no standing order or state law required.

A generic OTC naloxone nasal spray is also available, often at a lower cost. Many community organizations, harm reduction programs, and health departments also distribute naloxone for free.

Narcan Myth Five: Only A Medical Professional Can Administer Narcan

With some basic training, it is easy for a non-medical responder to recognize an overdose and give naloxone to a person who has taken a lethal dose of opioid drugs.

Take-home naloxone kits and training are available at many locations throughout the United States.

Because illicitly manufactured fentanyl is now the dominant driver of overdose deaths, it’s important to know that a single dose of naloxone may not be sufficient to reverse a fentanyl overdose.

Administer a second dose if the person doesn’t respond within 2-3 minutes, and always call 911. Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes, after which opioids can resume their effects.

Narcan Myth Six: Narcan Is Taking Up Too Much Of The Public’s Funds

Drug overdose deaths peaked at approximately 107,941 in 2022 before declining to an estimated 105,007 in 2023, according to CDC data. Synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl, were involved in the vast majority of deaths.

Substance use disorders and the deadly opioid epidemic are issues that deserve public attention. Over time, treating opioid addiction and preventing deaths can significantly reduce costs.

Narcan Myth Seven: Naloxone Availability Prevents People From Seeking Treatment

There is no evidence to suggest that people battling opioid use disorder will not seek treatment due to the availability of naloxone.

On the contrary, a near-death experience involving a drug overdose may be a catalyst for many people to seek substance abuse treatment immediately.

Narcan Myth Eight: Narcan Makes People Violent When They Wake Up

While one of the most common side effects of Narcan administration in a person is confusion and disorientation, it is rare for someone to become combative and violent.

Confusion and agitation after naloxone administration are most often brief and related to sudden opioid withdrawal rather than true violence. Speaking calmly, explaining what happened, and staying with the person until EMS arrives helps manage disorientation safely.

Most U.S. states have Good Samaritan laws that provide legal protection to people who call 911 during an overdose. Knowing your state’s law can reduce hesitation to seek emergency help

Signs And Symptoms Of An Opioid Overdose

If you or a loved one are facing an opioid use disorder, you may be wondering how to spot the signs of an opioid overdose.

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

• vomiting
• unconsciousness
• unresponsiveness
• cold and clammy skin
• seizure
• labored breathing

The chances of surviving an opioid overdose are substantially higher when naloxone is administered and emergency medical services are contacted quickly.

Common Addiction Treatment Services

There are several effective and safe opioid use disorder treatment services available at drug rehab centers.

Treatment options may include:

• medical detox
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• behavioral therapies
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
• aftercare

Find Substance Abuse Treatment Today

Contact our team at AddictionResource.net today for more information on addiction recovery services.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff