Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose within minutes. It has no effect on someone who hasn’t taken opioids and isn’t addictive. Anyone can carry it, including people who don’t currently use drugs — a family member, a friend, a bystander.
How to recognize an opioid overdose
- Unresponsive to voice or a firm rub on the sternum
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Blue, grey, or pale lips and fingertips
- Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- Pinpoint pupils
If you’re not sure — treat it as an overdose. Naloxone doesn’t cause harm if you’re wrong.
What to do, step by step
- Call 911. In most states, Good Samaritan laws protect both the person who overdosed and the person who calls from prosecution for drug possession.
- Administer naloxone. Nasal spray versions (like Narcan) are sprayed fully into one nostril; the person doesn’t need to be breathing for it to work.
- Begin rescue breathing or CPR if you’re trained and the person isn’t breathing on their own.
- Stay with them. Naloxone can wear off before the opioid does — the overdose can return. This is why calling 911 matters even if the person seems to recover.
- If there’s no response after a couple of minutes, a second dose can be given.
Where to get it — usually free, usually no prescription needed
- Most pharmacies can dispense naloxone under a standing order, without an individual prescription, in nearly every state.
- NEXT Distro mails naloxone free, discreetly, in most states.
- Local syringe service programs and health departments often distribute it free, along with training.
- [FindTreatment.gov] and state health department websites list local distribution points.
A note if you or someone you love uses opioids
Having naloxone in the house isn’t a statement about anyone’s choices. It’s the same reasoning as keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen — you hope never to need it.
Medically reviewed by [pending — see editorial policy]. Sources: SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit; CDC.