An overdose can happen anywhere, and it can happen to anyone who uses opioids. Overdoses can happen

• accidentally at home, and they often happen when a person is alone
• with friends or family
• or in public with strangers

Luckily, it is possible to stop an overdose.

Naloxone (Narcan®) is a nasal spray medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It can be bought over the counter. It’s safe to use even if the individual turns out to have not been overdosing.

People may be taking opioids for medicinal reasons, like managing chronic pain, or they may take them recreationally. Sometimes, people, especially children, have no idea they’ve ingested opioids.

You never know who you may save with naloxone. The first step is to keep it with you, just in case.

Naloxone (Narcan®) is a nasal spray medication that reverses opioid overdoses.

Having naloxone doesn’t say anything about you or your life choices—it just means you care, in the same way that you

• Make sure your passengers are buckled before you drive
• Offer to walk someone to their car on a dark night
• Take a friend’s keys when it’s their night to “celebrate”
• Help a stranger who could use a hand with a heavy load
• Check in on friends and neighbors after surgery or illness

Having naloxone is looking out for others. You never know who might need it.

It is available over the counter at any pharmacy. You can also order it anonymously for free from the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance.

Naloxone is safe to use even if the individual turns out to have not been overdosing. Side effects are rare, and some people may have an allergic reaction to the medicine.¹ In people who are dependent on opioids, they may experience withdrawal symptoms after naloxone is given.

Washington’s Good Samaritan Law protects you as someone who is trying to help.

• About the Good Samaritan Law
• What the Law Says About Naloxone

You should administer naloxone

• To anyone who is unconscious or unresponsive
• If you suspect overdose
• If a person shows other signs of overdose, like blue or gray skin, pinpoint pupils, having a faint pulse or no pulse, not breathing or struggling to breathe—snorting or gurgling sounds in an unresponsive person can indicate they are having trouble breathing

Safely storing all medications and substances is an effective way to prevent overdose. To request a free lockbox for safe storage, please email adugger@srhd.org or call 509.324.1618.