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STEP 1
CHECK for an overdose
- Three main signs:
- Unresponsive or hard to wake
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- To check: yell "Wake up!" and shake them gently.
- Other signs: pale or clammy skin, limp body, blue or purple lips or nails, vomiting or gurgling, slow or absent pulse.
STEP 2
GIVE dose in the nose
- Lay the person on their back. Tilt their head back and support their neck with your hand.
- Hold the spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on either side of the nozzle.
- Insert the nozzle into either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of their nose.
- Press the plunger firmly.
- Do not test the device first. The nasal spray contains one-dose and is single-use.
STEP 3
CALL 911
- Call 911 immediately after giving the dose.
- Tell them it is a suspected opioid overdose.
STEP 4
WATCH for a response
- Wait 2-3 minutes.
- If they are not breathing and you know how, give rescue breaths.
- If they wake up, go to Step 5.
- If they do not wake up, give another dose in the other nostril if available. Repeat every 2-3 minutes while doses last.
STEP 5
STAY until help arrives
- Roll them onto their side so they will not choke if they vomit.
- Stay until emergency services arrive, even if they wake up.
- Naloxone can wear off before help arrives, and the overdose can return.
- They may wake up confused or agitated.
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.
