What is Narcan?

Understanding Narcan: A Lifesaving Tool in the Opioid Crisis

The opioid epidemic continues to affect communities across the world, with overdose deaths reaching record highs. One of the most powerful tools in combating opioid overdoses is Narcan (naloxone)—a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

What is Narcan?

Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, an opioid antagonist that works by quickly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers. This process reverses life-threatening effects such as respiratory depression, which can lead to death if untreated.

How does Narcan work?

Narcan is available in multiple forms, with the most common being:

• Nasal spray: A pre-packaged device that is sprayed into the nostril, requiring no medical training.
• Injectable solution: Administered via intramuscular injection, typically by first responders or healthcare professionals.

After administration, Narcan begins working within 2 to 3 minutes, restoring normal breathing. However, its effects are temporary, lasting about 30 to 90 minutes, meaning medical attention is still necessary after use.

Who should carry Narcan?

With opioid overdoses occurring in various settings, having Narcan readily available can save lives. It is especially useful for:

• People who use opioids (prescribed or illicit)
• Friends and family members of individuals at risk
• First responders (police, firefighters, EMTs)
• Healthcare professionals
• Community organizations focused on harm reduction

Many states allow Narcan to be obtained at pharmacies without a prescription, making it more accessible to the public.  It is the policy of many medication assisted treatment clinics and detoxification units — such as those here at SMA Healthcare — to give Narcan to patients, where it is medically appropriate, for those we assess to be at increased risk for overdose. 

Recognizing an opioid overdose

Knowing the signs of an opioid overdose is crucial. Symptoms include:

• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Blue or grayish lips and fingernails
• Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Choking or gurgling sounds

If you suspect an overdose:

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Administer Narcan (if available)
3. Perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained
4. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives

Addressing myths about Narcan

Despite its proven effectiveness, there are common misconceptions about Narcan:

• “Narcan encourages drug use.” → False. Research shows that access to Narcan does not increase drug use; instead, it prevents unnecessary deaths and provides a second chance for recovery.
• “Narcan only works on heroin users.” → False. Narcan works on all opioids, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
• “One dose is always enough.” → False. Some overdoses, especially those involving fentanyl, may require multiple doses. Always seek medical attention.

The Importance of Narcan in Public Health

As the opioid crisis persists, expanding access to Narcan remains a critical step in harm reduction. Many states and community organizations offer free Narcan training and distribution programs to equip people with the knowledge needed to respond to overdoses.

By increasing awareness and accessibility, we can empower individuals and communities to save lives. Narcan doesn’t enable drug use—it enables second chances.

Did you know SMA Healthcare has Narcan vending machines located at 103 E Moody Blvd. in Flagler County and 702 Ridgewood Ave. in Volusia County.

SMA Healthcare has partnered with RCO Recovery Point and Aza Health, over in Putnam County. Narcan vending machines can be found at two Aza Health locations. 306 Union Avenue, Crescent City and 1213 FL-20, Interlachen. Recovery Point also has a Narcan vending machine at 2801 Reid St., in Palatka.

Though not every SMA site has a Narcan vending machine, almost every site has Narcan available for those in need.

Consider getting . Being prepared could mean the difference between life and death. Saving a life is always worth it. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or mental health issues, SMA Healthcare has a variety of services to assist you in your recovery. Call 800-539-4228 or visit smahealthcare.org.