Narcan: Every Life Saved Creates Another Chance for Healing

Opioid overdose remains the top cause of accidental death in the United States, claiming over 80,000 lives each year. In Illinois alone, 3,525 people lost their lives to overdose in 2023. To put it in perspective, that means 28 out of every 100,000 Illinois residents died from a drug overdose.

Since fentanyl entered the illegal drug market, overdose risks have spiraled. This synthetic opioid is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, so even a small dose can be deadly. Many people battling opioid use disorder also face obstacles such as mental health struggles, trauma, and limited access to treatment or recovery support. With higher overdose risks, it is essential to understand the tools available to save lives. One such tool is Narcan.

Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdoses by blocking their effects in the brain. It can restore breathing instantly, giving emergency responders time to help. Since its debut, naloxone has saved hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States.

Narcan is usually available as a nasal spray, making it easy for anyone to use without medical training. If the person does not start breathing normally within three minutes, give another dose.

 Who Should Have Narcan?

Anyone can carry and use Narcan; no prescription needed. Keeping Narcan on hand is as vital as knowing CPR or using a defibrillator. This simple step could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

Individuals who should especially carry Narcan include:

• Individuals who are currently taking high doses of prescription opioids for pain,

or who are combining opioids with alcohol or sedatives.

• People with a history of overdose or of opioid use disorder

• People with active opioid use disorder

• Individuals who use other drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamines, which

may be contaminated with fentanyl.

• Individuals who know or spend time with anyone in the above categories.

• People living and/or working in areas that see high rates of opioid overdose

Recognizing the Signs of an Opioid Overdose

An opioid overdose happens when someone takes so much of the drug that it overwhelms the body’s ability to function. Breathing, heart rate, and alertness can slow or stop. Without quick action, the lack of oxygen to the brain and organs can lead to brain injury, unconsciousness, or death within minutes.

Knowing when to use Narcan is as crucial as having it nearby. Watch for the three telltale signs of opioid overdose, known as the "opioid overdose triad."

These symptoms include:

• A decreased level of consciousness/unresponsiveness,

• Pinpoint pupils.

• Slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing.

Additional opioid overdose symptoms include:

• Very pale and/or clammy skin.

• Limp body.

• Purple or blue lips or fingernails.

• Vomiting or gurgling noises.

• Slowed or undetectable pulse.

If you notice these signs, call emergency services immediately and use Narcan if you have it. Narcan is safe to give, even if you are not sure opioids are involved, and will not harm someone if opioids are not the cause.

Breaking the Stigma

The opioid crisis has affected countless individuals and families, but solutions exist. Narcan is a simple, safe, and effective medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and prevent unnecessary deaths. By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring more people carry Narcan, communities can play an active role in saving lives.

At Orland Park Counselors, we believe overdose prevention education and Narcan access are essential to breaking the stigma associated with substance use recovery. If you or anyone you know needs Narcan, please visit https://narcan.com