Narcan, It Can Take You from Helpless to Hero November 1, 2019 Imagine if your lifesaving toolbox included something that could help an individual survive an opioid overdose – how empowering would that feel? Narcan (also known as Naloxone) is a drug that has the potential to quickly stop the effects of opioid overdose – including slowed or stopped breathing. Why is this important? Opioid use in Oregon has steadily increased year-over-year, placing the state fourth in the nation for non-medical use of prescription opioids. “Higher use of opioids typically means an increase in overdoses,” said Kelley Story, operations director of Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services. “For the average person, there is often a feeling of helplessness – a mindset that they’re unable to alter the potential fate of someone that is overdosing from opioids. But if armed with the right tool like Narcan, anyone can be the hero in that moment.” It’s important to know that Narcan only works on a person who is experiencing an overdose related to opioids. The effects are temporary and medical attention should still be sought. Talk with your local pharmacy about how you can get a Narcan kit.
