What is naloxone?
Naloxone or Narcan are commonly used names of naloxone hydrochloride. It is an opioid blocker that reverses the effects of opioids including respiratory depression, which is the most common cause of overdose death. It can effectively reverse an overdose for about 30-90 minutes, which means it is still important to call 9-1-1. It is generally administered through injection to the muscle by medical professionals, but can also be administered through the use of an intranasal atomizer (nose spray).

What types of drug overdoses can naloxone reverse?
Naloxone hydrochloride only works on opioids, which include prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Fentanyl, as well as heroin. Unfortunately, it does not have an effect on other drugs or alcohol, but it will not harm a person if it is administered to them while under the influence of these other drugs.

Who can get/give naloxone?
Ohio House Bill 170 allows prescribers to issue naloxone to users who are at high risk for overdose, their friends, and family members, as well as law enforcement. This ruling also allows someone to administer naloxone to a person who is overdosing without liability for the individual administering or the doctor who is prescribing. The purpose of the bill is to put naloxone into the hands of people who can help save a person’s life.

Where can I get naloxone?
Clermont Recovery Center offers free naloxone kits to the public. Call the recovery center at  513-735-8100  to learn more. There is no cost associated with the kit, but you must attend a brief training before obtaining one.

FAQs

• Are we encouraging drug use by prescribing Naloxone Hydrochloride? No, an overdose is still a traumatic experience for drug users and offers them a second chance to enter treatment. A study published in Urban Health in 2005 found that people who are addicted to opiates that received Narcan training actually reported less drug use and were more likely to access treatment after training.
• How difficult is it to give someone Narcan? A study of the Portsmouth DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) program shows no difficulty in administering Narcan. The medicine is particularly easy to administer in the nasal spray administration form.

I just want people to stay alive long enough to change.” -Rachel McLean, DOPE project

To learn more about drug addiction or treatment options, please call the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board at (513) 732-5400.