#narcan

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with The DOPE Project (Drug Overdose Prevention and Education) team about what to do and say after you’ve used naloxone to reverse an overdose from opioids. 

Experiencing a medical emergency like an overdose is traumatic and we can support people returning to consciousness with kindness and without judgment. 

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What to say after you respond to an overdose with naloxone.
Waking up from an overdose can be traumatizing. As someone starts to wake up, give them a little bit of space and gently welcome the person back into consciousness.
“Hi, friend. I’m [name] and I just had to give you Narcan. I’m sorry you don’t feel good. Sit up when you’re ready. You’re safe. I’m glad you’re alive. I’ve got you.”
Repeat until the person is fully awake. If they are disoriented, give them more space. If they want to leave, don’t try to make them stay. Try to stay with the person for 90 minutes and remember to take care of yourself as well.
After a medical emergency like an overdose, it is not the time for: Arguing, Shaming, or Shouting.
When we are gentle with others, we also learn to be more gentle with ourselves.

TheCOVID-19 public health emergency has made many New Yorkers’ lives more stressful. Increased stress can change your drug and alcohol use routines, which may increase your risk of overdose. 

Here are some ways to practice safer drug and alcohol use:

Practice Mindful Drinking

• Keep track of when and how much you drink
• Eat food and drink non-alcoholic beverages
• Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol
• Participate in activities that do not center around alcohol

Practice Safer Drug Use and Prevent Overdose

• Avoid using alone
• Start with less and use slowly
• Avoid mixing drugs
• Do not share drug use supplies, such as syringes or pipes
• Always have naloxone, also known as Narcan, nearby in case of an overdose
• Changes to the type of drugs you use and how much you use can affect your tolerance and increase the risk of overdose
• Be aware of fentanyl, a powerful opioid found in the drug supply that increases your risk of overdose

Learn more about how to reduce risk and prevent overdose.