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You Have the Power to Help Save a Life

We’re so glad you’re here. At Genius Recovery, we believe that knowledge is the first step to taking action, and taking action can save lives. Whether this is your first time learning about Narcan or you’ve used it before, the information here could make all the difference in an emergency situation.

 

Below, you’ll find what you need to know about recognizing opioid overdoses and using Narcan to reverse them. You can watch the video or read through the detailed instructions—whichever works best for you. Let’s make sure you’re prepared for any situation.

How to Use Narcan: Recognizing and Reversing an Opioid Overdose

Opioid overdoses happen quickly, but with Narcan in hand, you have the power to intervene and save someone’s life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to recognize an opioid overdose and use Narcan to reverse its effects.

Recognizing the Signs of an Opioid Overdose

An opioid overdose can happen when a person takes too much of a prescription opioid like Oxycodone, or illegal drugs like heroin or fentanyl, or takes more of or a different type than they were expecting. These are the key signs of an opioid overdose:

  • Unresponsiveness: The person doesn’t wake up when you shake them or shout their name.
  • Slow, shallow, or no breathing: Their breathing may be irregular or stop completely.
  • Blue or gray lips and fingertips: This signals a lack of oxygen in the blood.
  • Pinpoint pupils: Their pupils may shrink to a very small size, especially in opioid overdoses.
  • Gurgling or snoring sounds: This could indicate the person is struggling to breathe.

If you see any of these signs, act quickly—Narcan can reverse the overdose and restore normal breathing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Narcan Nasal Spray

Once you’ve recognized an emergency, it’s time to take action:

Step 1: Check for responsiveness.

Try to wake the person up. Shake them gently, call their name, and check for any reaction. If they don’t respond, move to the next step.

Step 2: Call 911 immediately

Even though Narcan can save a life, medical professionals are still needed. Call 911 and let them know that the person may be experiencing an opioid overdose. Tell them you are administering Narcan.

Step 3: Position the person.

Tilt the person’s head back slightly to open their airway. Make sure their mouth is clear of any blockages. Do not stick a spoon, object, or your fingers in their mouth, this could choke or injure them or injure you. This position helps prepare them for receiving the nasal spray.

Step 4: Administer Narcan.

Hold the Narcan nasal spray with your thumb on the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle. Insert the nozzle into one of the person’s nostrils and press firmly to release the dose. Narcan is a single-use device, so no need to worry about adjusting the dose.

Step 5: Wait and monitor.

After administering Narcan, stay with the person and watch their breathing. Narcan typically takes 2 to 3 minutes to work. If the person doesn’t start breathing normally after that time, administer another dose in the other nostril. Continue monitoring them until emergency help arrives.

Narcan Safety Tips

Narcan is safe to use even if you’re unsure whether the person is overdosing

It should not not harm someone who hasn’t taken opioids, so it’s always better to act than to wait.

Be prepared to administer multiple doses

If the person doesn’t respond after 2 to 3 minutes, you may need to give them a second dose. Always alternate nostrils for additional doses.

The effects of Narcan wear off after 30 to 90 minutes

Even if the person wakes up and seems okay, the overdose can return once the Narcan wears off. This is why calling 911 is crucial, as medical professionals need to monitor the person.

911 vs. 988: When to Call Which Number

Call 911 if:

  • The person is unconscious, not breathing, or showing signs of a heart attack or stroke.
  • They are behaving violently or pose a threat to themselves or others.

Call 988 if:

  • The person is in a mental health crisis but not in immediate physical danger.
  • They are experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress but are not attempting to harm themselves at the moment.

In some cases, both services are needed. For example, if someone is overdosing and also threatening self-harm, call 911 first and then reach out to 988 for ongoing mental health support.

What to Expect After Using Narcan

When Narcan starts working, the person will typically start breathing more normally within 2 to 3 minutes. They may wake up suddenly and feel disoriented, agitated, or even sick. This is normal. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, or shaking. Stay with them and reassure them that help is on the way.

 

If the person loses consciousness again or stops breathing before help arrives, you may need to administer another dose of Narcan and continue monitoring their condition.

Why It’s Important to Be Prepared

Having Narcan available and knowing how to use it means you’re ready to act when someone’s life is on the line. Every second counts during an overdose, and Narcan can provide those critical extra moments until help arrives. Whether it’s for a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger, you now have the tools to make a difference.

Stay Informed, Stay Connected

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Narcan and how to handle an opioid overdose. We encourage you to keep this life-saving knowledge fresh, and consider keeping Narcan on hand if you or someone you know is at risk of an overdose. You can visit GeniusRecovery.org for more resources and to get a Narcan kit.

 

At Genius Recovery, we’re dedicated to reducing suffering and supporting those affected by addiction. Explore more of our life-saving content and consider joining our exclusive, private community where you can find support, share your story, and connect with others committed to recovery.

Inspirational Message: Together, We Can Save Lives

You are not alone in this journey. Every small action matters, and by educating yourself, you’ve already taken the first step toward making a positive impact. Visit GeniusRecovery.org to explore more resources and connect with others who share your commitment to saving lives. Consider joining our membership community to gain access to exclusive support, insights, and tools designed to guide you through recovery and beyond.

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