What Is Narcan (Naloxone)? How to Use It During an Opioid Overdose
Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing within minutes. It works by blocking opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and oxycodone from attaching to receptors in the brain. Narcan nasal spray is designed to be used by anyone, even without medical training, and can save a life during an overdose emergency.
A Guide from Sobriety House
At Sobriety House, we are committed to creating a compassionate and informed community around recovery. As part of our ongoing staff training, Sobriety House recently welcomed a trainer from the Harm Reduction Action Center to provide Narcan (Naloxone) training for our staff.
We believe that education around overdose response is an important part of supporting recovery and community safety. This training helps ensure our team can recognize an opioid overdose and respond quickly with Narcan. Education like this is an important part of harm reduction and saving lives.
What Is Narcan (naloxone)?
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication that reverses the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine.
When someone experiences an overdose, their breathing can slow down or stop completely. Narcan works by blocking opioids in the brain, allowing the person to begin breathing again.
Narcan nasal spray is designed to be safe, easy to use, and effective, even for people without medical training.
In Colorado, Narcan is widely available through pharmacies and community organizations such as the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver.
How Do You Recognize the Signs of an Opioid Overdose?
Recognizing the signs of an overdose is the first step in helping someone in an emergency. Common signs include:
The person will not wake up or respond to voice or touch
Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
Blue or gray lips or fingernails
Gurgling or choking sounds
Very small pupils (sometimes called “pinpoint pupils”)
If you notice these signs, it is important to act immediately.
How Do You Use Narcan Nasal Spray During an Overdose?
Narcan nasal spray is designed to be used in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Identify an overdose and check for a response
Ask the person if they are okay and shout their name.
Shake their shoulders and firmly rub the center of their chest.
Check if they are breathing slowly or not breathing at all.
If the person does not respond, call 911 immediately. Tell them someone is unresponsive.
Step 2: Give Narcan Nasal Spray
Remove the Narcan nasal spray from the box.
Hold the spray with your thumb on the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
Lay the person on their back and tilt their head back slightly.
Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the nose.
Press the plunger firmly to release the full dose.
Remove the spray from the nose after giving the dose.
How Long Should You Wait Before Giving a Second Dose of Narcan?
If the person does not wake up or start breathing normally within 2–3 minutes, another dose may be given using a new spray in the other nostril.
Why Is the Second Dose of Narcan Given in the Other Nostril?
The second dose is given in the other nostril to improve absorption. In some overdose situations, the first nostril may be blocked by mucus, blood, or congestion, which can prevent the medication from being fully absorbed. Using the other nostril increases the chance that the naloxone reaches the bloodstream quickly.
Step 3: Get Emergency Help and Support the Person
After administering Narcan:
Call for emergency medical help if you have not already.
Move the person onto their side in the recovery position to prevent choking.
Watch the person closely.
What Are Good Samaritan Laws and How Do They Protect People Who Call 911?
Many states, including Colorado, have Good Samaritan laws designed to encourage people to call for help during an overdose. These laws may provide legal protections for the person experiencing the overdose and the person who calls 911.
However, some individuals may still worry about legal or personal consequences when emergency responders arrive. If someone must leave the scene after administering Narcan, the most important steps are to:
Call 911 first
Tell the dispatcher someone is nonresponsive and share the exact location
Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking
Even if you cannot stay, calling for help and administering Narcan can still save a life.
The Harm Reduction Action Center
The Harm Reduction Action Center is a Denver-based nonprofit that focuses on improving the health and dignity of people who use drugs. Their work centers on education, public health, and overdose prevention.
Their programs include:
Naloxone (Narcan) distribution and overdose prevention training
HIV and hepatitis testing resources
Health education and outreach
Safer-use supplies
Connections to treatment and healthcare services
Their work plays an important role in preventing overdose deaths and connecting individuals with resources that support long-term health and recovery.
To learn more about their work, visit harmreductionactioncenter.org
Why Harm Reduction Matters
Harm reduction focuses on meeting people where they are and reducing the risks associated with substance use. Tools like Narcan help prevent fatal overdoses. In many cases, it gives someone another opportunity to seek treatment and recovery, but most importantly, it keeps people alive.
At Sobriety House, we believe that education, compassion, and community partnerships are essential in addressing substance use disorder. By training our staff and sharing knowledge with the community, we aim to help create safer environments and stronger support systems for those navigating recovery.
Narcan saves lives. Every overdose reversed creates the possibility for recovery, connection, and support. By learning how to recognize an overdose and use naloxone, community members can play a direct role in preventing overdose deaths and protecting the health of those around them
