Empowering Communities to Combat Opioid Overdoses

In a significant step towards combating the opioid crisis, the state of Georgia is making Narcan, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, available over the counter. This promises to have a profound impact on the fight against opioid-related fatalities.

Just days ago, Narcan began hitting shelves in Georgia for over-the-counter sale in pharmacies like CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. The current cost is $45 for a pack that includes two doses of Naloxone.

What Is Narcan?

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids attach to, effectively blocking the opioids and restoring normal breathing in a matter of minutes. Narcan can be administered as a nasal spray or an injectable, making it accessible to both healthcare professionals and laypeople.

Narcan Over the Counter in Georgia: A Game-Changer

Why Is This Change Significant?

1. Immediate Access to Lifesaving Treatment: Making Narcan available over the counter means that anyone, including friends and family members of individuals struggling with opioid addiction, can obtain it without a prescription. This immediate access can mean the difference between life and death in overdose situations.
2. Reducing Stigma: The over-the-counter availability of Narcan helps reduce the stigma associated with addiction. It sends a message that opioid addiction is a public health issue that deserves compassion and support, not judgment.
3. Empowering Communities: By placing Narcan in the hands of the public, Georgia is empowering communities to take an active role in saving lives. This democratization of healthcare can help address overdose emergencies before professional help arrives.

Who Should Have Narcan?

1. Individuals with Opioid Prescriptions: If you or a loved one is prescribed opioids for pain management, having Narcan on hand is a safety precaution. Accidental overdose can occur even when opioids are taken as prescribed.
2. Families and Friends: If you know someone struggling with opioid addiction, having Narcan readily available can be a lifeline. Overdoses can happen unexpectedly, and quick intervention is vital.
3. Community Organizations: Homeless shelters, addiction treatment centers, and harm reduction organizations should also keep Narcan on hand to protect their clients and visitors.

How Can Narcan Help?

1. Immediate Response: Narcan works rapidly, often within minutes, to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This quick response can save lives and prevent long-term health complications.
2. Buy Time for Professional Help: While Narcan is an essential tool, it should be followed by immediate medical attention. Administering Narcan buys valuable time for healthcare professionals to provide further treatment and support.

If Someone Overdoses in Georgia, Always Call 911

As a recovering addict, I’ve heard all too many stories about people who don’t call 911 after someone overdoses because they are afraid of legal repercussions. Overdoses are often fatal. Narcan can help save lives, but emergency services are still needed.

Georgia has a Medical Amnesty Law which offers some immunity to those who call for help. That means someone can call for help without fear of arrest if they are in possession of paraphernalia or certain drugs. It also offers immunity to people on probation and parole. Read more about Georgia’s Medical Amnesty Law. Every addict that experiences an overdose requires medical attention and nothing should stop anyone from being able to seek it.

Narcan Only Works Against Opiates

Narcan is a critical and life-saving tool for treating overdoses from opiates. But it’s important to remember that a new drug, called Tranq, is often cut into street drugs. Tranq is not an opiate, and Narcan will not reverse the effects of an overdose from that drug. That’s why it’s so urgent to immediately call 911 in an overdose situation. Unfortunately, with Tranq on the streets of Atlanta, the possibility that Narcan alone isn’t enough to save a life exists.

If You or Someone You Love is Suffering from Opiate Addiction, Help is Available

Narcan is just one part of the solution to the opioid crisis. Here are some additional resources and ways to seek help for addiction:

1. Rehabilitation Centers: Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers provide structured programs to help individuals overcome addiction.
2. Twelve Step Programs: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and understanding, whether you’re struggling with addiction or supporting a loved one.
3. Therapy and Counseling: Professional therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.
4. Hotlines: National helplines, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline, provide confidential support and referrals for addiction treatment.
5. Community Resources: Many communities offer harm reduction services and access to addiction treatment resources.

In conclusion, the availability of Narcan over the counter in Georgia is a critical step towards saving lives and combatting the opioid crisis. Anyone at risk of opioid overdose or in contact with individuals struggling with addiction should consider having Narcan on hand.

Treat the Root Cause of Addiction at Breakthrough Recovery Outeach

Remember that while Narcan is a vital tool, it should be followed by professional medical attention and a commitment to addressing the root causes of addiction. At Breakthrough Recovery Outreach, we offer residential treatment programs for adults and teens suffering from opiate addiction. We also offer virtual counseling services to teens, adults, and professionals who are unable to commit to a long-term stay.

If you or someone you love needs help, contact us today. Together, we can work towards a healthier, addiction-free future for Georgia and beyond.