Whether you have a friend or family member who is addicted to opioids or simply want to know what to do if someone overdoses, understanding what Narcan is and how to use it to save a life—be it yours or someone else’s—can be incredibly empowering in a crisis. flōr de fred Cannabis in Queens, is a tireless advocate of safe consumption, having an intimate connection to the opioid epidemic. Learn how you can join flōr de fred in this life-or-death fight and make a difference in the community.
What is NARCAN?
Narcan (naloxone) is a valuable life-saving tool for opioid overdose. This powerful drug can quickly reverse an accidental (or intentional) overdose and save someone’s life. As an opioid antagonist, Narcan binds to the brain’s opioid receptors and blocks the offending drug’s effects, restoring breathing. Fast acting, it’s both safe and effective, while having zero effects on someone who hasn’t taken opioids. Anyone can easily administer Narcan without specialized medical training. You just need to know how to use it properly.
How Does NARCAN Work?
Opioid overdoses are increasingly common thanks to growing fentanyl use. This synthetic opioid is so powerful that minute amounts can lead to deadly overdoses, 70% of which are fentanyl related. Because it’s cheaper than other drugs like heroin, oxycodone, and morphine, it’s often added to illicit street drugs, so users may not even be aware they’re ingesting it.
When experiencing an opioid overdose, your breathing slows and/or stops when the drug overwhelms your brain’s respiratory-control center. Narcan, an opioid antagonist, removes opioids from the opioid receptors, allowing your body to breathe again. Since Narcan’s effects are temporary (30-90 minutes), and opioid effects (especially fentanyl) can last beyond that, it’s imperative to always call 911 after giving Narcan, regardless of recovery signs.
How to Use Narcan
Fortunately, Narcan is easy to administer. It’s typically given as a nasal spray, which makes it simple and fast for emergencies. Knowing exactly what to do in a life-or-death situation is vital, which is why flōr de fred offers ongoing training sessions that teach you how to recognize overdose signs, including pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, and shallow, or absent breathing. flōr de fred free training sessions give you hands-on experience with a Narcan kit, teach simple steps to use it effectively, and what to do when someone regains consciousness.
Where to Get Narcan
As a certified dispensary for Narcan distribution, flōr de fred offers free Narcan to community members—no questions asked. Narcan is also widely accessible without a prescription at many public health clinics, pharmacies, and community-based organizations. The most important step is knowing how to use it correctly, which is where flōr de fred’s free training and its many other resources come in. Check their events page for upcoming training, or visit the Ozone Park dispensary and speak to staff, who can also offer education on the role of cannabis in the opioid crisis.
On days of trainings, proceeds from our cannabis sales will go to organizations like GetNaloxoneNow.org. Keep an eye out for specials on those days!
