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| Narcan Nasal Sprays |
Today (April 29) was/is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. I mentioned Fentanyl in this post on the origin of pain management.
Since I did not know much about it, I did a quick search and noticed that there are actually two national fentanyl awareness campaigns listed on the DEA website (DEA = US Drug Enforcement Administration)
April 29 (today): National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Founded in partnership with Song for Charlie, a national nonprofit started by parents who lost their son Charlie to a single counterfeit pill.
Their site is a really valuable educational resource focused on fentanyl awareness, counterfeit pills, overdose prevention, and youth education.
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August 21: National Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Day
Established by Facing Fentanyl and affected families across the country:
“to remember the lives lost to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to educate the public about the ongoing danger of this crisis.”
Both campaigns center public education, remembrance, overdose prevention, and harm reduction awareness.
I also learnt about the DEA Museum in Arlington, Virginia which I definitely want to visit (see other museums I have visited here). The website describes the museum as a place that
“collects, preserves, and shares the stories of America’s connection to drugs, including public policy, federal drug law enforcement, and the work of Drug Enforcement Administration employees around the world.”
As someone getting into Addiction Science, I see a learning opportunity here, as well as an opportunity to strengthen my timeline.
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| Photos from a previous Narcan Use Training |
Something I have done a couple of times over the years, and would like to encourage you to do, is learn how to use Narcan (Nalaxone) which helps to reverse overdoses.
These trainings are similar to first aid or CPR classes, but focused on recognizing and responding to opioid overdose. Participants often receive a free naloxone nasal spray kit.
What Narcan / Naloxone Is
- Naloxone (brand name: Narcan) is an emergency medication used to reverse an opioid overdose.
- It is commonly administered as a nasal spray through the nostril.
How It Works
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist.
Opioids like fentanyl activate opioid receptors, producing effects such as:
- pain relief
- euphoria
- slowed breathing
- oxygen deprivation
- brain injury
- death
Naloxone works by binding strongly to those receptors and blocking opioids from activating them.
A simple way to think about it:
- opioids = “turn the key”
- naloxone = “jam/block the lock”
By displacing opioids from the receptors, naloxone can restore breathing and consciousness.
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| Recovery Position Illustration During Training |
Overdose Response Basics
- Call 911 immediately or have someone else call while naloxone is administered.
- Monitor the person closely.
- If they do not respond after several minutes, administer another dose using a new nasal spray device.
- When revived, the person may:
- feel disoriented
- experience sudden withdrawal symptoms
- feel strong cravings or distress
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