SOLUTION: Get the overdose reversal drug, naloxone (aka Narcan) into the hands of everyone who needs it, and train them how to use it. Family, friends and people with addiction themselves can play a big role in stopping overdose death.

STORY: A life lost, a life saved. The main character of this episode isn’t a person. It’s a nasal spray. Naloxone (aka Narcan) saves lives from opioid overdoses (heroin, painkillers, fentanyl). Across the U.S., people are dying from opioids, but their deaths are preventable. We walk you through how to save a life using the overdose antidote.

LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:

Snohomish County overdose and addiction treatment resource guide. http://snohomishoverdoseprevention.com/treatment-and-support/

Learn to administer Naloxone through an online training. http://stopoverdose.org/section/take-the-online-training/

Learn more about Naloxone and the different forms it comes in. http://harmreduction.org/issues/overdose-prevention/overview/overdose-basics/responding-to-opioid-overdose/administer-naloxone/ 

Research: Family members can be life savers. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.12551

Research: One study found 61% of drug overdoses occurred at home. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10903127.2017.1315203