Narcan SAVES Lives
- posted: Feb. 05, 2025
On average nearly 90 individuals die each day as a cause of opioid overdose and addiction. Studies show that 1 in 8 teens report trying opioids in high school recreationally. Opioids, commonly known as pain relievers, are prescription drugs that are typically used to alleviate pain after a surgery, procedure, injury, or to relieve severe/chronic pain. Commonly prescribed opioids include: oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, and hydrocodone. Taking opioids in a way other than how it was prescribed, such as crushing the pill so that it is snorted or injected can add to its addictive properties. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found 57% of 12- to 17-year-olds who misuse prescription opioids got them from a friend or family member.
These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain which release endorphins. These endorphins produce a pain relieving or euphoric effect to boost feelings of pleasure. This feeling has a short-lasting effect and could lead to an individual to crave, or want these feelings back as soon as possible which could lead to addiction and/or opioid dependence. This is when an individual relies on the drug for their body to function properly. Some individuals may even develop a tolerance to opioids which means that they require stronger or more frequent doses to reach the desired effect or to simply “feel good”. As such, increased intake of these drugs could lead to an overdose.
These are some signs of an opioid overdose: unconsciousness, constricted pupils, slow or shallow breathing, vomiting, inability to speak, faint heartbeat, limp arms and legs, pale skin, and purple lips or fingernails.
To minimize the risk of death due to opioid overdose, let’s talk about Narcan and how it can potentially save someone’s life. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, works to reverse the effects of opioids by attaching to opioid receptors and preventing the effects of other opioids. It comes as a nasal spray or as an injectable (intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous). Some opioids, such as fentanyl are very potent and may not respond to a single dose of Narcan. This is because Narcan is only active in the body for 30-90 minutes so multiple doses may be needed to reverse the effects of overdose. It is important to remember to call 911 if an overdose is suspected so that the individual can receive immediate medical attention.
In order to be ready for any scenario, here at Dr. Baum’s office we recently started carrying Narcan. If you or your family have any questions about opioids or how to keep your loved ones safe feel free to reach out to Dr. Baum or Leesa PA-C.
Feel free to visit these resources for more information:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Hawai’i Health & Harm Reduction Center: https://www.hhhrc.org/overdose
Blog Sources:
https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/teens-and-opioid-abuse
- posted: Feb. 05, 2025
On average nearly 90 individuals die each day as a cause of opioid overdose and addiction. Studies show that 1 in 8 teens report trying opioids in high school recreationally. Opioids, commonly known as pain relievers, are prescription drugs that are typically used to alleviate pain after a surgery, procedure, injury, or to relieve severe/chronic pain. Commonly prescribed opioids include: oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, and hydrocodone. Taking opioids in a way other than how it was prescribed, such as crushing the pill so that it is snorted or injected can add to its addictive properties. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found 57% of 12- to 17-year-olds who misuse prescription opioids got them from a friend or family member.
These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain which release endorphins. These endorphins produce a pain relieving or euphoric effect to boost feelings of pleasure. This feeling has a short-lasting effect and could lead to an individual to crave, or want these feelings back as soon as possible which could lead to addiction and/or opioid dependence. This is when an individual relies on the drug for their body to function properly. Some individuals may even develop a tolerance to opioids which means that they require stronger or more frequent doses to reach the desired effect or to simply “feel good”. As such, increased intake of these drugs could lead to an overdose.
These are some signs of an opioid overdose: unconsciousness, constricted pupils, slow or shallow breathing, vomiting, inability to speak, faint heartbeat, limp arms and legs, pale skin, and purple lips or fingernails.
To minimize the risk of death due to opioid overdose, let’s talk about Narcan and how it can potentially save someone’s life. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, works to reverse the effects of opioids by attaching to opioid receptors and preventing the effects of other opioids. It comes as a nasal spray or as an injectable (intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous). Some opioids, such as fentanyl are very potent and may not respond to a single dose of Narcan. This is because Narcan is only active in the body for 30-90 minutes so multiple doses may be needed to reverse the effects of overdose. It is important to remember to call 911 if an overdose is suspected so that the individual can receive immediate medical attention.
In order to be ready for any scenario, here at Dr. Baum’s office we recently started carrying Narcan. If you or your family have any questions about opioids or how to keep your loved ones safe feel free to reach out to Dr. Baum or Leesa PA-C.
Feel free to visit these resources for more information:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Hawai’i Health & Harm Reduction Center: https://www.hhhrc.org/overdose
Blog Sources:
https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/teens-and-opioid-abuse
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