Reversing Opioid Overdoses with Naloxone
Naloxone: The Opiate Antidote
Naloxone, aka Narcan, is a hydrochloride injection that reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone, and Vicodin. It is an FDA approved rescue drug. When a person is overdosing, their breathing slows down, making waking up very difficult. Naloxone is a prescription medicine that blocks the effects of opioids reversing the overdose by blocking the brain’s opiate receptors. Naloxone is not a drug in and of itself. It can not alter the mind and if given to a person who is not overdosing from an opiate, it will have no effect on them. It is not addictive and has no abuse potential. Narcan should be given immediately to prevent brain damage and can provide extra time until paramedics arrive at the scene.
Naloxone Basics
Naloxone is injected into the muscle of the arms, thighs or buttocks and is used less commonly as a nasal spray. It typically works in about five minutes and can be repeated if necessary. It lasts between 30 and 90 minutes which is enough time to for the body to process the opioids and breathe normally once again. Naloxone puts a person overdosing into immediate withdrawal which can cause great discomfort but is not life threatening.
Good Samaritan Overdose Act or 911 Drug Immunity Laws
Good Samaritan overdose laws are in existence in 40 states, including the District of Columbia to encourage people who have witnessed an overdose or have overdosed to seek medical attention.With thousands of drug overdoses in Florida, it was a wonderful day when the Good Samaritan Act was passed in 2012. The act states that any person, whether licensed to practice medicine or not will not be liable for any civil damages provided they willingly provide medical treatment in good faith. Naloxone is easy to administer and can save lives. There will be no legal consequences to anyone who possesses, administers, stores, prescribes or dispenses Naloxone provided in compliance with the law.
Drug Treatment Center, North Palm Beach, FL
We at Ebb Tide Treatment Centers believe alcoholics and addicts can, and do, recover. Furthermore, recovering from active addiction does not have to be a long, painful process. With the help of Ebb Tide’s caring and experienced staff, you and your loved ones will learn, and take, proven steps necessary to achieve and maintain lasting sobriety and success. The goal of Ebb Tide Treatment Centers is to restore lives and families. With our help, you can regain control of your life from addiction and start living happily again. Your new life is just a phone call away. Call us today at 561-508-8330 or visit us at https://www.ebbtidetc.com/
Ebb Tide Treatment Center
3385 Burns Rd #108
North Palm Beach, FL 33410
Phone: 561-508-8330
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