Sunday, April 8, 2018

Surgeon General Says More People Should Carry Naloxone, the Opioid Antidote



The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, issued a public health advisory on April 5, 2018 urging more Americans to carry and learn to use the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone.

Naloxone, which is often referred to by the brand name Narcan, can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids. As the nation’s opioid crisis has increased in recent years, first responders, emergency medical technicians and police officers have used naloxone to help revive people who are suspected of overdosing.

Adams said Thursday that community members, family and friends of people using opioids, and individuals using the drugs themselves, can help too. "Knowing how to use naloxone and keeping it within reach can save a life."

The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers resources for where to find naloxone, including this naloxone finder, that allows people to enter their city or zip code and find overdose prevention programs that may offer the drug for free.


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