When going out on the weekends, you typically already have your plans all set in place. You remember to bring all the essentials — your wallet, your keys, and your phone. But there’s another essential you may want to consider taking with you: Narcan.
A growing number of warnings from health officials and law enforcement are drawing attention to cychlorphine, an emerging synthetic opioid detected in illicit drug supplies in the U.S. Recently, there have been cases of cychlorphine being detected in multiple states and linked to fatal overdoses. The issue has also gained attention on social media, with a viral Instagram post from Barstool Illinois and Illinois Chicks on Sept. 25, encouraging students to “know the signs” of an opioid-related emergency. B
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has warned that cychlorphine and other emerging synthetic drugs are appearing in illicit substances such as marijuana and cocaine, sometimes without users knowing they are present. With this in mind, college students are being encouraged to keep Narcan on hand. And Narcan isn’t only useful for cychlorphine overdoses; fentanyl also remains a major cause of opioid-related overdoses and can be found in counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs, most of the time without the person taking them knowing fentanyl is present.
For college students, the takeaway of all this isn’t to panic. It’s to know what to do and what to reach for if something goes wrong.
What Is Narcan and Why Should You Carry It?
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing when administered in time. Naloxone nasal spray is designed to be easy to use and can be administered without medical training. And you don’t have to use opioids yourself to carry it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that anyone can purchase and carry naloxone, and it allows bystanders to respond if someone else experiences an overdose. This is especially important for college students, as you could encounter someone experiencing an overdose at a bar, party, residence hall, concert, or even while walking to class — whether they knowingly took an opioid or accidentally consumed it unknowingly.
How To Use Narcan
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, you can administer naloxone even if you’re not certain an opioid is involved. (CDC) says naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re not overdosing on opioids or other drugs, so even if you’re not sure, it doesn’t hurt to administer it anyway.
To administer Narcan, simply place the tip of the device into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to release the single dose. If the person doesn’t respond within two to three minutes, another dose may be needed while you wait for emergency responders.
But remember, Narcan isn’t a substitute for calling 911. If you suspect an overdose, administer naloxone if it’s available, call 911, and stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
And if you decide to carry Narcan, don’t just throw it into the bottom of your drawer and forget about it. Make sure to keep it somewhere easily accessible, such as your backpack, purse, dorm room, or another place where you would be likely to have it if an emergency ever happened. It’s also worth letting your roommates or friends know that you have it and where you keep it.
How Do You Know Someone Might Be Overdosing?
Knowing what an opioid overdose looks like could help you recognize an emergency before it’s too late. According to the CDC, signs of an opioid overdose can include being unconscious or unable to wake up, slow or shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, discolored skin around the lips or fingernails, and small “pinpoint” pupils.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether someone is simply intoxicated or experiencing an overdose. If you’re unsure, the CDC recommends treating the situation like an overdose. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately and begin administering Narcan if it’s available. Narcan works by blocking the effects of opioids and can restore normal breathing within two to three minutes.
While waiting for emergency responders, try to keep the person breathing, place them on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them until help arrives. Even if the person responds to Narcan, they still need emergency medical attention, as naloxone can wear off while opioids remain in the body.
So, Where Can You Get Narcan?
The good news is that you don’t have to work hard to get Narcan — you might not even have to spend money on it. There are several ways college students can get naloxone, including through your college campus, community organizations, and local health departments.
Check With Your College First
Your campus may already offer free Narcan to students. Colleges and universities around the country have started offering naloxone through student health centers, campus pharmacies, residence halls, wellness offices, student organizations, and other easily accessible locations.
The important thing is to check what your school offers. Look at your student health center’s website or contact the health center, campus pharmacy, residence life office, wellness center, or campus safety department. You can also search your school’s website for terms like “Narcan,” “naloxone,” “overdose prevention,” or “harm reduction.” And don’t be worried about getting in trouble for asking. If you’re concerned about your school’s policies, check their specific rules or ask whether Narcan is available anonymously. The goal of providing Narcan to students is harm reduction and making sure individuals are prepared for an emergency, not getting students in trouble for trying to help someone.
Look for Free Community Programs
If your college doesn’t offer Narcan, or you simply want to have an extra supply, there might be free options available in your community. The CDC recommends checking your local health departments, community-based organizations, and syringe services programs, many of which distribute naloxone at little to no cost. Some state and local health departments also maintain online naloxone locators that can help you find nearby distribution sites.
Purchase It Over the Counter
If you can’t find a free option, you can also purchase naloxone yourself. Naloxone is available over the counter in all 50 states, meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase it. The CDC recommends checking pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations that sell it.
There are now multiple FDA-approved over-the-counter naloxone nasal sprays. In June, the FDA approved another OTC naloxone nasal spray, giving consumers an additional option for purchasing the medication directly from pharmacies, convenience stores, and online retailers.
Remember, You Don’t Have To Expect An Overdose To Prepare For One
The growing presence of emerging synthetic opioids is a reminder that students don’t always know what substances may be present in an illicit drug supply or what someone else may have taken. Carrying Narcan doesn’t mean assuming the worst about the people around you. It means knowing that if something does go wrong, you have a tool that could help keep someone alive while emergency responders are on the way. Because when it comes to an emergency, having Narcan and not needing it is better than needing it and not having it.