Due to the opioid epidemic sweeping across the country, medical professionals are continually looking for ways to combat this deadly crisis. Addiction is just one of the negative consequences that are the result of heroin or prescription painkiller abuse; overdose is another. While immediate medical attention is vital when someone’s system is overwhelmed by the number of drugs and alcohol in use, there’s a medication available that can halt the effects of an overdose. What is Narcan and what is it used for?
What Is Narcan For?
Narcan is the brand name for the drug naloxone, which is used to halt, even reverse, the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan comes in a pre-filled nasal spray that contains about two doses. Unlike other medications and interventions, Narcan requires no needles and is available for people to use at home.
Injectable forms of naloxone are more likely to be used by medical personnel. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics are among those who often have doses of naloxone on hand. Narcan is an easy-to-use solution in the event someone close to you overdoses on heroin or another opiate.
It’s one of those medications that you wish weren’t necessary, but it can — quite literally — save someone’s life.
Narcan Is Only an Aid, Not a Treatment
To understand more about what is Narcan used for, it’s important to recognize it’s for emergency use only. It’s not a treatment for addiction. Although it can restore a person’s breathing in the event of overdose, it’s not a substitute for a quality heroin addiction treatment program or other opiate rehab options.
Narcan is available in some pharmacies, but depending on the state you’re in, you may need a prescription for it. If you know that a loved one abuses heroin or another opiate, you might want to have Narcan in the medicine chest, just in case. You can look into whether your health insurance covers all or part of the cost of a Narcan kit.
However, if your loved one does overdose, using Narcan is only one step. You should still call 9-1-1 because he’ll need immediate medical attention.
As frightening as overdoses are, these are sometimes the wake-up calls that people desperately need to overcome addiction.
Compassionate Treatment at Morningside Recovery
Are you struggling with a dependency on heroin or another substance? We can help. We’re Morningside Recovery in Orange County, California, a residential treatment facility. We help men and women win the battle against drug and alcohol dependency every day.
The addiction treatment services we offer include:
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Pet-friendly drug rehab
- LGBTQ-friendly substance abuse treatment
What is Narcan? How can it help in the fight against drug abuse? Turn to Morningside Recovery to have your questions answered, and your needs met. Call us today at 855-631-2135 for more information on how you can take control of your life back.
