American Addiction Centers
American Addiction Centers
Fighting the Overdose Crisis with Over-the-Counter Narcan
Fighting the Overdose Crisis with Over-the-Counter Narcan
Fighting the Overdose Crisis with Over-the-Counter Narcan
Thursday 13th April 2023
Hear experts' personal stories on the overdose crisis and learn why accessible Narcan is crucial in this episode of Addiction Talk.
54 minutes
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Get the buttons here!Narcan: A Crucial Ally in the Overdose Battle
Episode Overview
- The panelists shared personal stories and emphasized the importance of Narcan accessibility and training
- The episode highlighted the potency of fentanyl and challenges of addressing overdoses
- Advocacy for early Narcan and CPR training, destigmatization, and policy changes
- The significance of making Narcan available over the counter and expanding harm reduction initiatives
- The episode culminated in a powerful Narcan demonstration, providing critical insights into administering Narcan
It's kind of like what we were saying earlier about people having this mindset, like, I don't do drugs, why would I carry Narcan? Well, first of all, you can't even administer it on yourself, you know, it's to save someone else, right. And I feel like, I think that's why I break it down with such simple facts, like, oh, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, and Narcan can, you know, reverse an opioid overdose. It's just like simple facts, because I think when you get like too much in detail, then people don't want to pay attention.
Imagine being on the front lines of the overdose crisis, armed with nothing but hope and a small nasal spray. In this episode of 'Addiction Talk', a panel of experts share their deeply personal encounters with Narcan and the pressing need for its accessibility. Nathan 'Narcan Nate' Smiddy, Robin Vang Bigelow, and Philip Van Guilder bring their stories to life, each highlighting the lifesaving power of Narcan.
Robin recounts the heart-wrenching loss of her fiancé to a fentanyl-laced drug, stressing the urgency of carrying Narcan to prevent similar tragedies. Philip's tale is equally gripping, as he describes the moment he revived his son from an overdose, underscoring the importance of widespread Narcan training. Nathan, a community worker dedicated to overdose prevention, talks about the essential role of education and policy changes in tackling this crisis.
The episode dives into the harrowing realities of fentanyl's potency and the critical role Narcan plays in saving lives. The discussion also touches on making Narcan available over the counter and expanding harm reduction initiatives. The panelists call for early Narcan and CPR training, challenge the stigma surrounding addiction, and emphasize the need for empathy and kindness. Wrapping up with a practical Narcan demonstration, this episode offers invaluable insights into how we can all play a part in combating overdoses.