Resources for
Long-Term Support
Our mission is to mobilize resources within and outside of the recovery community to increase the prevalence and quality of long-term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction. Recovery Changes Lives.
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What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. As an opioid antagonist, it attaches to opioid receptors, reversing and blocking the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing for someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. However, it has no effect on individuals without opioids in their system and is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.
Common questions about naloxone:
Can I give naloxone to someone who’s overdosed?
Yes.
Naloxone is available over the counter at local pharmacies and through local recovery community organizations.
For a list of Naloxone distribution sites in Livingston County click here.
Can I get trained to use naloxone?
Yes, though not required.
What precautions are needed when giving naloxone?
None.
How Naloxone Can
Save Lives
Understanding Opioid Overdose - What Are The Signs?
Unconsciousness
Very small pupils
Slow or shallow breathing
Vomiting
An inability to speak
Faint heartbeat
Limp arms and legs
Pale skin
Purple lips and fingernails
Substance Abuse Prevention
and Recovery Resources
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Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by attaching to opioid receptors, blocking and reversing the effects of other opioids.
Naloxone is a safe medication, effective only in individuals with opioids in their system to counteract overdose effects.
There are two FDA-approved naloxone formulations: an injectable and a prepackaged nasal spray.
Police officers, emergency medical technicians, and first responders are trained to administer naloxone.
In Michigan, friends and family members can also be trained to administer it, with the auto-injectable or nasal spray devices being safer for individuals without medical training.
Naloxone remains active in the body for 30 to 90 minutes. A person may still experience overdose effects after naloxone wears off, or require multiple doses if a potent opioid is involved.
Naloxone can be obtained from pharmacies with or without a prescription, from community-based distribution programs, or local health departments. Costs vary based on where and how it is acquired and the type of formulation.
