Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It has become an essential tool in combating the opioid epidemic, which continues to claim lives across the country. For individuals struggling with opioid addiction, Narcan can be the difference between life and death.
But Narcan isn’t just for emergencies — it plays an integral role in the broader context of opioid use disorder treatment. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, we are committed to supporting those in need of addiction recovery, and Narcan is a key part of that mission.
Learn what Narcan is used for, how it works, how to use it, and how Crestview Recovery provides comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorder.
What Can Narcan Be Used For?
Narcan (naloxone) is primarily used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers like oxycodone, depress the central nervous system, which can slow or stop breathing in the event of an overdose. Narcan acts quickly to restore normal breathing by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
It’s important to note that Narcan is only effective for opioid overdoses. It does not work on overdoses caused by non-opioid substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine. However, in situations where an opioid overdose is suspected, Narcan can be administered even if the individual has taken other substances.
At Crestview Recovery, we emphasize the importance of education around opioid overdose prevention and how Narcan can be a critical intervention in saving lives. We work to help individuals overcome their addiction, and believe in the power of Narcan to help in emergency situations.
Can Narcan Be Used For Anything Other Than an Overdose?
Narcan’s primary use is for opioid overdose reversal, but there are emerging discussions about its potential applications in other areas of medicine. For example, researchers are investigating its use in treating conditions like opioid-induced constipation. However, this may involve different formulations of naloxone than that found in Narcan.
Additionally, Narcan has been considered as a tool in the treatment of septic shock. This is a condition wherein the body’s response to infection causes dangerously low blood pressure. However, this use remains experimental and is not yet a standard medical practice.
For now, the primary use of Narcan remains its ability to counteract life-threatening opioid overdoses. This makes it an essential tool in harm reduction efforts and an immediate coping tool in the fight against opioid overdose.
How To Use Narcan
Narcan is available in two main forms: a nasal spray and an injectable version. The nasal spray is by far the most common and user-friendly option, making it easy for non-medical individuals to administer during an emergency.
Here’s how to use Narcan in an overdose emergency:
- Identify the overdose: If someone is unresponsive, has slow or no breathing, or is exhibiting other signs of opioid overdose (such as blue lips or fingertips), it’s time to act.
- Call for emergency help: Always call 911 before administering Narcan. While Narcan can reverse an overdose, professional medical help is crucial for continued care.
- Administer Narcan: Place the Narcan nasal spray nozzle into one of the person’s nostrils and press the plunger. Narcan works quickly, typically within minutes.
- Wait and observe: After administering Narcan, stay with the person until emergency responders arrive. If they don’t wake up after a few minutes, administer another dose. Narcan can wear off after 30-90 minutes, so medical attention is still necessary even if the person revives.
At Crestview Recovery, we encourage individuals in recovery and their families to be educated on how to use Narcan. We provide resources and information on overdose prevention, so our clients can feel empowered to act in an emergency situation.
How Does Narcan Work?
Narcan works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which are the same receptors that opioid drugs latch onto. When someone takes opioids, these receptors are activated, leading to effects like pain relief, euphoria, and in higher doses, respiratory depression. During an overdose, the opioids overwhelm these receptors, which can slow or stop breathing.
Narcan essentially displaces the opioids from these receptors and blocks them, reversing the dangerous effects of an overdose and allowing normal breathing to resume. Narcan can act within minutes. But its effects are temporary, which is why follow-up medical care is crucial after administration.
What Does Narcan Do to the Brain?
When Narcan binds to opioid receptors, it prevents further opioid action in the brain. This reversal can be dramatic for individuals experiencing an overdose, as they may wake up suddenly, confused, or agitated.
Narcan does not produce a “high” and is non-addictive, as it only works to counteract opioid effects rather than provide its own. Because Narcan doesn’t affect non-opioid receptors, it is considered very safe. This is true even for individuals who aren’t sure if opioids are involved.
Narcan is considered a very safe medication, and it’s not possible to overdose on it. Even if a person receives multiple doses, Narcan will not cause harm beyond its intended effect of blocking opioid receptors.
No, you cannot administer too much Narcan. If a person does not respond to the first dose, it’s recommended to give additional doses, especially if stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved. However, it’s also critical to call 911 and have medical professionals take over as soon as possible.
At Crestview Recovery, we always stress that using Narcan in an overdose situation is the right choice even if you’re unsure whether opioids are involved. When in doubt, administer Narcan.
Who Should Carry Narcan?
Given the rise in opioid overdoses nationwide, many public health experts recommend that more people carry Narcan. This includes:
- Individuals who use opioids or are in recovery
- Friends and family members of people at risk for opioid overdose
- First responders (police, firefighters, EMTs)
- Medical professionals
- Harm reduction workers and volunteers
At Crestview Recovery, we advocate for the widespread availability of Narcan. We offer education on overdose prevention and provide resources for our clients and their loved ones to ensure they are equipped to handle emergency situations. Having Narcan on hand can be the difference between life and death in an overdose situation.
Opioid Treatment in Portland
Narcan is a critical tool for reversing opioid overdoses, but it’s not a long-term solution for opioid addiction. To achieve lasting recovery, comprehensive treatment is necessary. At Crestview Recovery, we offer a full range of opioid use disorder treatment services that include residential care, outpatient treatment, and ongoing support.
For individuals ready to take the first step toward recovery, a detox program provides a safe and supportive environment for managing withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, our residential treatment offers a structured environment with 24/7 support, where clients can begin the healing process through individual therapy, group counseling, and holistic approaches like yoga and mindfulness.
Once clients are ready to transition to a more flexible form of care, our outpatient programs provide ongoing support while allowing individuals to return to their daily routines. Outpatient treatment includes therapy sessions, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and relapse prevention strategies. We also offer aftercare planning and alumni programs to ensure clients have long-term support in their recovery journey.
At Crestview Recovery, we understand that overcoming opioid addiction is a lifelong process. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals not only recover but thrive.
Crestview Recovery Can Help
Narcan is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and it plays a crucial role in the fight against opioid addiction. However, while Narcan can save lives in the moment, long-term treatment is necessary to address the root causes of opioid use disorder.
At Crestview Recovery, we provide comprehensive opioid addiction treatment, including residential care and outpatient programs. Each program is designed to support you or your loved one on the path to lasting recovery. Whether you’re struggling with opioid addiction or want to learn more about how Narcan can be used as part of a broader recovery plan, Crestview Recovery is here to help.
If you or someone you know is battling opioid addiction, don’t wait. Contact Crestview Recovery today to learn more about our opioid use disorder treatment programs in Portland. Together, we can build a brighter future.
