H o w   t o   A d m i n i s t e r   N a l o x o n e

STEP 1

CHECK for an overdose

  • Signs of an overdose include not waking up, being very sleepy, or not breathing.
  • Yell “Wake up!".
  • Shake them gently.
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STEP 2

GIVE dose in the nose

  • Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger.
  • Insert the nozzle into either nostril.
  • Press the plunger firmly to administer the dose.
  • Note: NALOX-1 holds only 1 nasal spray device, which contains 1 dose of naloxone.
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STEP 3

CALL 911

  • Call 911 immediately after giving the dose.
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STEP 4

WATCH for a response

  • Wait 2-3 minutes for the medication to take effect.
  • If the person wakes up, proceed to Step 5.
  • If the person does not wake up and more doses are available, continue giving doses every 2-3 minutes until the person wakes up.
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STEP 5

STAY until help arrives

  • Stay with the person until emergency services arrive, even if they wake up.
  • Naloxone’s effects may wear off, so be prepared to assist until help arrives.
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Additional Resources

Where to get Naloxone

You can purchase Naloxone from major retailers:

  • Amazon
  • Walgreens
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Walmart

You can access free or reduced-cost Naloxone through national and community-based organizations:

  • NEXT Distro Naloxone Resources – Provides free Naloxone via mail to people in need, especially those who use drugs or have limited access to local resources.
  • Harm Reduction Near Me – Offers a Naloxone Finder map to help you locate free Naloxone and other harm reduction resources in your community.
  • Naloxone Exchange (nXg) – A service providing Naloxone at a lower cost through online mail-order.

Recognizing and Responding to an Overdose

Overdoses can happen unexpectedly, and knowing the signs could save a life:

  • CDC Overdose Prevention – Practical information on recognizing opioid overdose signs and how to respond effectively.
  • Stop Overdose – A comprehensive guide on preventing opioid overdoses, offering detailed tips and steps for responding.

How to Use Naloxone Effectively

Familiarizing yourself with how to use Naloxone can be lifesaving:

  • Narcan Guide – A website guide with videos and PDFs providing step-by-step instructions for using Narcan nasal spray.
  • Naloxone Training Videos – Visual resources on how to use Naloxone in an emergency.Learn More About Naloxone

For additional information on Naloxone and opioid overdose prevention, explore:

  • Narcan.com Resources – A collection of helpful resources on Naloxone, its usage, and the broader impact of opioid overdose prevention.

Addiction & Opioid Use Disorder Resources

SAMHSA’s 24-hour National Helpline

  • Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Text: 435748 (HELP4U)
  • A confidential, free, 24/7 information service providing referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for those seeking help with substance use disorders and mental health issues.

Other Resources Include:

  • The North America Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) – Provides access to sterile syringes and safe injection equipment for harm reduction. They also offer information on syringe exchange programs (SEPs) across the U.S.
  • FindTreatment.gov – A comprehensive directory to find treatment centers near you for substance use disorder, addiction treatment, mental health services, and more. It also offers customizable search filters to find appropriate care.
  • Google Recover Together – Helps you find safe drug takeback locations in your community to properly dispose of unused or expired medications, preventing misuse and environmental harm.
  • Shatterproof – A national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis through research, policy advocacy, and support services. They offer resources for families and individuals affected by addiction, including education and community-based tools.
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – An international, community-based organization offering support groups for individuals recovering from substance use. Meetings are free and available both in person and online.
  • Partnership to End Addiction – This resource provides guidance and support for families dealing with addiction. They offer free educational materials, access to counseling, and advice on supporting loved ones in recovery.
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – NIDA offers extensive research, education, and resources for understanding addiction, substance use disorder, and treatment options. They provide scientific findings and treatment guidelines for both healthcare providers and individuals.

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