GET THE FACTS

 What is drug addiction?

• Addiction is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits. Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death.

What is an overdose?

• “An overdose (OD) happens when a toxic amount of a drug, or combination of drugs overwhelms the body. People can overdose on lots of things, including alcohol, Tylenol, opioids or a mixture of drugs.” (harmreduction.org)
• You can reverse an overdose if you know what to do and you act in time. Whether you use drugs, love someone who does, or just care about the people in your community, it’s important to be prepared if you encounter someone overdosing.

What is Narcan?

• Narcan can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose from a prescription opioid, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs mixed with opioids and can restore normal breathing within minutes for a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped.

 How is Narcan administered?

• It can be given in 3 different ways: through an IV (intravenously), through a prefilled autoinjector (intramuscularly), or through a nasal spray (intranasal).

• The County’s Narcan Emergency Cabinets and “Save A Life” pouches only contain the 4mg nasal spray, administered via the nose.

 How long does Narcan take to work?

• It acts in 2 to 3 minutes. If, after 3 minutes, the person does not wake up, a second dose can be administered. Given the increasing potency and prevalence of opioids like fentanyl in all drugs, it is not uncommon for overdose victims to require more than 2 doses of Narcan to be revived. This is why, in addition to administering Narcan, it is ESSENTIAL to also call 911; Police and EMS will be equipped to administer additional doses of Narcan if needed.

Can Narcan wear off before the drugs that caused the overdose?

• Yes, it can. Narcan wears off within 30 to 90 minutes.  For this reason, it's important to advise a person not to use opioids, alcohol, or other drugs within a few hours of experiencing an opioid overdose. Additionally, using more drugs may increase the likelihood of a second overdose and will not greatly reduce their withdrawal symptoms.

Does Narcan encourage people to keep using drugs?

• Naloxone puts the person in withdrawal—which is a very unpleasant experience—and takes away from the positive euphoria of opioid use. Multiple research studies have concluded that the availability of naloxone does not encourage people to use more drugs or to use drugs in riskier ways.

Are there any risks associated with using Narcan?

• There are minimal risks involved with using Narcan. It is not addictive and does not harm a person if it’s used in a situation that is not an opioid overdose. Narcan poses a risk if that person has had an allergic reaction to Narcan, or if pregnant/nursing.

 Who can administer Narcan?

• Any layperson/bystander that witnesses a suspected overdose can administer Narcan. Oneida County’s Narcan Emergency Cabinets (indoor and outdoor) are unlocked for ease of access in an emergency and includes easy instructions. Anyone that receives a Narcan kit is encouraged to get trained on the basics of using Narcan and recognizing signs of overdose.  The agency that provided you with the kit can provide this training and you can access online/virtual trainings here.

• The Oneida County Opioid Task Force (OTF) “Save A Life” campaign aims to expand access by distributing free overdose rescue kits with two doses of Narcan nasal spray throughout the community. The objective is to help laypersons to recognize signs of an overdose and understand how easy it is to administer Narcan nasal spray which, when administered on time, can prevent overdose death.

 Do I need a prescription to get Narcan?

• No. All pharmacies in New York State may dispense naloxone (Narcan) through a standing order. 

  Per NYSDOH, Non-medical people seeking naloxone in pharmacies should know:

  • You do not need to have your own prescription to obtain naloxone. Simply request this medication at the pharmacy counter and present your insurance information.
  • The Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP) will cover co-payments of up to $40 resulting in no or lower out-of-pocket expenses for most insured persons. You can find additional information on N-CAP here.
  • If you do not have insurance, you may still purchase naloxone at the pharmacy or go to one of the State's Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs where naloxone can be provided at no cost. You can find a program near you here.

Can I be liable if I administer Narcan?

• NYS Public Health Law §3309 allowing laypersons to administer Narcan says “a person or entity, or any person employed by the person or entity, acting reasonably and in good faith in compliance with this section, shall not be subject to criminal, civil or administrative liability solely by reason of such action.” https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/3309
• Bystanders can administer Narcan because it is considered "first aid or emergency treatment." https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/3309 

What is the Good Samaritan Law?

• The Good Samaritan law was designed to encourage New Yorkers to call 911 if they witness an overdose without fear of arrest or criminal prosecution for possessing small quantities of drugs (or alcohol if they are underage).  Learn more at: NYS Good Samaritan Law Protects YOU

• The Law protects you from the following:

  • Possessing controlled substances up to and including A2 felony offenses (anything under 8oz)

  • Possessing alcohol where underage drinking is involved

  • Possessing any quantity of marijuana

  • Possessing drug paraphernalia

  • Drug sharing

• The Law DOES NOT protect you from the following:

  • A1 felony possession of a controlled substance (8oz or more)

  • Sale or intent to sell controlled substances

  • Open warrants for your arrest

  • Violation of probation or parole