While researching an article for the health edition of our Sun Life magazine, I learned a lot about the opioid epidemic confronting the U.S. and Arizona, and I wanted to share some information that could be helpful for those with loved ones dealing with addiction, or those who may be dealing with addiction themselves.
The first thing those with addiction in their lives should know about is naloxone. This drug may be common knowledge for many people, but for those who don’t know it, it can make a big difference. Nalaxone, also known by its brand name, Narcan, is a drug used to block the effects of opioids and can reverse opioid overdoses.
Nalaxone can be distributed by a medical provider and is sold at most pharmacies. If you know someone struggling with opioid addiction or if you yourself are using opioids, having naloxone handy could be life-saving.
The drug can be administered as a nasal spray or through a needle into a vein or muscle. The makers of the drug stress it is not a substitute for emergency medical attention and experts recommend, if you find a person experiencing an opioid overdose, to call 9-1-1 before administering the drug.
Keep in mind also that having naloxone will do no good if you experience an overdose alone. You should never use opioids outside of what has been prescribed by your medical provider, but if you do, make sure naloxone is present and someone is there to administer it.
While nalaxone can be life-saving, it goes without saying that administering the drug should be far from plan A.
The most important thing for those with opioid dependency is to overcome the addiction. It is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
There are dozens of local treatment centers who understand the struggles your facing and will give you help without the judgment. Find a list of local treatment centers recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services here. You can also call HHS’s national substance abuse hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Connect with people who have also struggled with opioid addiction and have overcome it. Become the next success story.
To read my article about the changing opioid crisis and what Arizona is doing to combat it, visit our Sun-Life e-reader.
Mark Carlisle
