Narcan Saves Lives: The Proof Is in the Numbers
The opioid crisis is devastating. It’s tearing families apart, leaving empty chairs at dinner tables, and making headlines that break your heart. But here’s the thing: Narcan is making a difference. It’s not just a theory or a “feel-good” story—it’s real. The numbers from 2023 to 2024 back it up.
Overdose deaths have been rising for decades. Between 1999 and 2021, over one million people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. (CDC, 2024). But something changed recently. From 2021 to 2022, the age-adjusted overdose death rate stopped climbing. For the first time in years, it seemed like the crisis wasn’t spiraling further out of control. That shift didn’t happen by chance. Narcan, alongside harm reduction strategies, has played a huge role in stabilizing those. From 2023-2024, the overdose rates began to decrease for the first time in decades. In the United States, overdose deaths dropped roughly 22.23% percent between August 2023 and August 2024 (CDC, 2024). Meanwhile, naloxone prescriptions increased 136.03% between 2019-2023 (CDC, 2024). Narcan’s availability has grown significantly over the last few years. In 2023, more than 2.1 million prescriptions were dispensed through retail pharmacies, doubling the distribution rate compared to 2019 (CDC, 2024). Wyoming and Arkansas leading the way in getting Narcan into people’s hands. Wyoming, for instance, saw a distribution rate of 2.5 prescriptions per 100 people—showing how focused efforts can make a real difference (CDC, 2024).
It’s Not Just Doctors and Nurses Saving Lives—It’s You
One of the most remarkable things about Narcan is how it empowers everyday people to save lives. You don’t have to be a doctor, nurse, or EMT to use it. Between 2020 and 2022, the number of overdoses reversed by regular people—friends, family members, even strangers—jumped by 43% (Gage et al., 2024). That means thousands of lives saved simply because someone had Narcan nearby and knew how to use it.
One of the biggest constraints with individuals carrying Narcan, or supporting it’s widespread use, is that they believe that it enables people with substance use disorder to use it. Here’s the hard truth: dead people can’t recover. Recovery begins with survival, and Narcan ensures survival by reversing the effects of an overdose in minutes. It’s not just a medication—it’s a second chance. The only thing Narcan enables is breathing.
What Is Narcan, and How Does It Work?
Let’s break it down. Narcan (generic name: naloxone) is a medication designed to reverse opioid overdoses. It’s available as a nasal spray or an injection, and it works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
When someone overdoses on opioids, their breathing slows or stops altogether. This is because opioids depress the part of the brain that controls breathing. Without oxygen, the body starts to shut down—quickly. That’s where Narcan comes in.
Narcan kicks opioids off the brain’s receptors and restores breathing. It works in minutes, and it’s incredibly effective. The best part? It’s easy to use. With the nasal spray, you simply spray it into the person’s nose. For the injection, it’s a quick shot, often into the thigh.
While Narcan is powerful, it’s crucial to understand how it works—including its limitations. Knowing its short half-life and what to do after administering it can mean the difference between saving a life and a tragic outcome.
Step 1: Call 911 Immediately
After giving Narcan, the next step is always to call 911. Even if the person wakes up and seems okay, they still need medical attention. The effects of Narcan are temporary, and overdoses can be unpredictable.
First responders can provide oxygen, additional doses of Narcan if needed, and monitor for complications. Medical professionals can also help manage withdrawal symptoms, which can happen suddenly when Narcan is administered. These symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, agitation, or confusion.
Step 2: Be Ready to Give Another Dose
In many cases, one dose of Narcan isn’t enough. This is especially true in fentanyl overdoses, which are increasingly common. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, and its effects can overwhelm a single dose of Narcan.
If the person doesn’t respond to the first dose after 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose. Most Narcan kits come with multiple doses for this reason. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives, and continue monitoring their breathing. If they stop breathing again, be prepared to use Narcan a second—or even third—time.
Why Understanding Narcan’s Limitations Is Crucial
Narcan is an incredible tool, but it’s not magic. Here’s why understanding its short half-life and limitations is so important:
False Sense of Security: After someone wakes up from an overdose, they might feel fine and refuse further help. But the opioids in their system can still be deadly once Narcan wears off. Calling 911 ensures they get the care they need.
The Fentanyl Factor: Fentanyl overdoses are harder to reverse. A single dose of Narcan might not be enough, and time is critical when someone’s life is on the line.
Temporary Fix, Permanent Problem: Narcan buys time, but it doesn’t remove the opioids from the body. Medical professionals are needed to manage the overdose and ensure the person stays safe.
What You Can Do
If you carry Narcan or are considering getting it, here are the most important things to remember:
Learn How to Use It: Narcan is easy to administer, but taking a few minutes to read the instructions can make a big difference in an emergency.
Call 911 Every Time: Even if the person wakes up, medical help is non-negotiable.
Stay Alert: Be ready to give another dose if needed, and monitor the person’s breathing until help arrives.
Narcan saves lives, but knowing how to use it properly and understanding its limitations can make you even more effective in a crisis.
Narcan Buys Time—But Every Second Counts
Narcan is often called a miracle drug, but its true power lies in the fact that it buys time. Time for the person to breathe again. Time for emergency responders to arrive. Time for a family to hold onto hope.
But time is short. Narcan’s effects are temporary, and the opioids in the person’s system don’t just go away. That’s why knowing about Narcan’s short half-life and acting quickly—calling 911, staying with the person, and being ready to give another dose—is just as important as having Narcan on hand.
Because at the end of the day, breathing is non-negotiable, and every second matters. Narcan isn’t just a medication—it’s the first step toward saving a life.
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See also: Many pharmacies, including major chains like Walgreens and CVS, carry Narcan. In most states, you can get it without a prescription although this is typically not free, your physician can write a prescription for it.
Citations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually. National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved January 20, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Naloxone dispensing rate maps. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov Gage, C., et al. (2024). Layperson-administered naloxone saved thousands. JAMA Network Open. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com
