The US has been facing an opioid crisis, with a significant rise in opioid-related overdose deaths in recent years. Amid this growing public health emergency, Narcan (naloxone) has emerged as a life-saving tool for both first responders and everyday individuals. But how does Narcan actually work to reverse an overdose?
This blog will provide a simple explanation of the science behind Narcan, its vital role in saving lives during an overdose, and how you can effectively use it to counteract the impact of opioids and mitigate the impact of this addiction.
Narcan is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioids from attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors. This mechanism helps reverse the dangerous effects of drugs like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine.
Narcan’s widespread use has made it an essential tool for first responders, healthcare professionals, and even families of individuals struggling with opioid addiction. In fact, in March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan nasal spray for over-the-counter use, making it more accessible to the general public.
While Narcan effectively reverses overdoses, it has no impact on individuals without opioids in their system, and it is not a long-term treatment for opioid use disorder.
Opioids are powerful substances. When they attach to your brain’s receptors, they alter how your brain perceives pain and can create feelings of euphoria. However, this effect also slows down vital functions — for example, breathing and heart rate.
Opioids are highly addictive because they provide pain relief and a sense of well-being that you will crave over and over.
But make no mistake, this cycle can cause dependence and, worse, overdose.
During an opioid overdose, the slowing effect on breathing can become dangerously severe, leading to what’s known as respiratory depression. As breathing becomes more and more shallow, oxygen levels in the body drop, which can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, and, if left untreated, death.
Your body’s natural functions are essentially suppressed to a life-threatening degree, which is why opioid overdoses are so dangerous and often fatal without quick intervention.
If opioid is a powerful substance that can cause addiction, Narcan is a powerful antidote to the life-threatening complications of a drug overdose.
As stated, Narcan works by directly targeting the same opioid receptors in the brain that opioids bind to. During an overdose, opioids overwhelm these receptors. This medication steps in by quickly binding to these receptors, displacing the opioids already present.
Once Narcan attaches to the receptors, it blocks the effects of the opioids, particularly the dangerous respiratory depression that can lead to unconsciousness and death. By reversing the suppression of breathing, Narcan allows you to start breathing normally again — often within minutes.
If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, recognizing the signs of an overdose is critical for timely intervention. If it’s particularly about opioids, these are the symptoms to watch out for:
If you notice any of these signs from someone, you should administer Narcan immediately. Acting with urgency can prevent severe complications like brain damage or death due to a lack of oxygen. Since an overdose can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression, Narcan works by rapidly reversing this effect, allowing the person to breathe again.
However, note that its effects are temporary. Ultimately, medical help is still crucial after someone administers Narcan, as the opioids may reattach to the receptors after Narcan wears off.
Drug addiction and drug withdrawal can be fatal, particularly in cases involving other substances or severe underlying conditions. In the event of an opioid overdose, Narcan is a powerful ally that can save lives.
The question now is, how do you administer it?
Using Narcan, especially the nasal spray version, is simple. It’s designed for anyone to administer, even without medical training. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you in an emergency situation:
Administering Narcan is quick and easy, offering a potentially life-saving solution during an opioid overdose while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. But, as discussed, its effects are not long-lasting. So, even if the person seems to recover, it’s critical to seek professional medical help immediately.
While there’s an ongoing opioid crisis, tools like Narcan are there to remind us there is hope. This life-saving solution is helpful during an overdose. It rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and restores breathing, preventing fatal complications from occurring.
Recognizing the signs of an overdose and knowing how to use Narcan — especially the easy-to-administer nasal spray — can make all the difference in an emergency situation. But remember: after using Narcan, seek professional medical help immediately, as its effects are temporary.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, taking steps to understand the power of medications like Narcan is vital. Reach out to Freedom Recovery and learn more about how we can support you in recovery.
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