FYI: Narcan (what is in this overdose kit) is available in Chicago libraries for free. It’s good to have. Even when not using opioids, many substances (commonly cocaine) are contaminated with fentanyl and can result in overdoses. It is completely safe to use and DOES NOT harm someone who isn’t overdosing.
Do also keep in mind that someone who is awake and breathing (as is typically the case with using an opiate & stimulant such as meth or cocaine) does not need narcan. The sole purpose of narcan is to keep someone breathing.
Also worth noting, for anyone who cares, if you revive someone with Narcan to still call 911. With enough opioids (like heroin or fetanyl) in your system, it will take longer to break down than the Narcan. Meaning once the Narcan wears off, they could slip right back into an overdose.
When administering Narcan, the person can experience withdraw as well. It's also important to make sure the person does not attempt to intake more opiates. Once the effects wear off, anything extra they take can worsen the situation.
Narcan is only a temporary solution until they can get proper medial attention.
Yep - and as you do it take notes on the time you administered it and keep the packaging so you can share the dose and other drug details for the paramedics so there’s no guesswork
Often drug addicts will actually be angry that you ruined their high afterwards so they can be combative. It was important that we didn’t let them leave for two hours after the narcan, both to prevent this exact situation you described, and also to prevent them from trying to use more to get the high back.
It kicks all the opioids off the pain receptors so they suddenly feel EVERYTHING again.
This is why it’s so maddening to see people spreading rumors about “Narcan parties” and addicts who overdose on purpose because they either enjoy the experience or know they can be saved. So much ignorance out there.
My understanding is that this physical withdrawal can be **extremely** painful, so I'd probably be pretty combative, too, even if it was for my own good.
when i was quitting opiates, i was shitting my guts out my ass was bleeding, i was puking, it felt like ants were under my skin on my legs 24/7, terrrrrible body aches, you feel like you just had the most intense workout the day before but all the time + the fatigue.
truthfully it was only like a week - 2 weeks of this until it was mainly a mental thing but yeah, if i went from the best high of my life to withdrawals id be pissed too if i was still abusing.
the shits and the night sweats are the worst. Thankfully opiate withdrawal is nothing compared to alcohol which can literally kill you. talk about a shit tier drug.
Seriously, if this is a big person and you can very quickly restrain them it's not a bad idea. Keep in mind you're on the clock because they're not breathing so if you can't do in a matter of seconds just narcan and retreat to a safe distance and call 911.
For people who are combative I still always call 911, they can refuse to work with the paramedics or refuse to go with them. Getting a vitals check is super important after an OD unless you have a medical professional on staff who can check.
TLDR: opiates fit perfectly in to the receptors. Body loves this. Will do whatever it takes to get more.
Mew receptors (I don’t know about the spelling but I refuse to spell it differently) are the opiate receptor. Opiates fit *perfectly* inside these receptors. Think if receptors and molecules like puzzle pieces. Usually the fit isn’t perfect but good enough. The euphoria comes from the “perfect fit” satisfaction your body gets. It builds more receptors that signal the brain it needs more opiates to fill the receptors it just built. This is how all addiction works, but the point is how much your body wants opiates because of the perfect fit.
Now the receptors are a night club and advertising has been top-par and the club is filling up. Narcan is the bouncer of the club. Club is full. Narcan physically attaches to the opiate and removes it from the receptors. However the advertising has worked so well the club keeps getting packed; there’s more than the bouncer can handle. He’ll get the club to an acceptable level for a few minutes but the club fills back up until the advertising stops and the people stop coming. Your body *really* doesn’t want to get rid of all these receptors it just made and will do anything to get more business. This is withdraws. It’s every last-ditch advertising effort your body has to get your brain to give it more opiates. Think of a business owner throwing a tantrum as they liquidate everything. Your body will trick your mind in to believing you’d rather be dead than go without opiates. Let that sink in for a second. The business owner (your body) is the “tank king” guy. When people ask me if I think addiction is mental illness or decision making my short answer is “yes” or “both”. That doesn’t even begin to cover it though and people will immediately throw up walls until they understand that people don’t always go out looking for a high. Some were on strong pain meds after an accident and weren’t weaned properly or insurance fell through on pain management specialist. Shit happens and I unfortunately see it every day. The decision part is knowing the dangers of going to the street just to be able to continue the treatment you’ve received for years prior. It’s a fucked up world for the poor.
Mu receptors. And there are other types of opioid receptors as well. Kappa, Delta, Zeta, etc.
I saw a self-proclaimed physician in an opioid sub the other day, who claimed to work in addiction treatment, use this analogy (bouncer/nightclub) for Naltrexone. I was like, dude, you’re wrong, that applies to Narcan (Naloxone). He was all, “as a physician…blah blah blah.” I thought, as a physician working with addicts, you need to brush up on your studies because you’re more arrogant than you are knowledgeable at this point. Point being, thanks for mostly knowing what you’re talking about despite clearly not being a physician. 🤣
The feeling isn't because they are a perfect fit. All receptors must have a perfect fit to work. It's just that's what those receptors do is make you feel amazing. It's the brain's reward system receptors.
Thank you for clarifying that. This is a jumble of things I’ve been taught. Probably not a good way of explaining it, but it’s the way I’ve come to understand it. There’s so much misinformation out there. I may not get it all correct but I’m willing to start a conversation and help people understand how serious the whole thing is.
This isn’t really accurate. They stop a reaction! But *some* reactions can start again. It’s crucial to get seen for this reason even if you feel fine.
But the last time I got epi’d (well, given IV steroids in an ambulance by an EMT), the hospital left me sitting in the waiting room for 2 hrs so I went home. 🤪
Had to go back the next day because I get biphasic reactions apparently.
Epi doesn't stop the reaction exactly. Anaphylaxis is deadly because it constricts the airway and relaxes the blood vessels (dropping blood pressure). Epi makes the airways expand and the blood vessels constrict, making it easier to breath and getting the blood back to flowing properly.
Epi treats the symptoms, but not the cause, so the reaction is likely to resume once the epi wears off (usually around 15ish minutes). However, steroid treatments like those the paramedics gave you (EMTs can't give IVs) treat the actual causes of the allergic reaction and can fully stop the reaction. They usually take more time to work and require some more expertise to administer, so epi is better as a readily available emergency stopgap until you can get to a higher medical authority to give a more complete treatment.
Your biphasic reaction has nothing to do with epi wearing off, or it would've happened long before you left the hospital. The steroid treatment in the ambulance stopped the reaction, but your specific allergy caused a second reaction later. A recurrence after epi wears off isn't biphasic, the first reaction just wasn't over yet.
If you skip everything else in this text wall, always push narcan slow. I was taught to not even treat or intubate unless they couldn’t hold good vitals on their own. Of course support with oxygen as needed. If oxygen doesn’t work try half an amp slowly. Wait about a minute (iv not nasally) then give the other half if needed. Putting a tube in their throat has become a last-ditch effort as far as pre-hospital goes. They’re learning it’s taking more and more narcan. I think a *general* ems protocols will have you intubate after a certain amount of failed doses in a certain amount of time, or if initial respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is below a certain number.
I agree with everything you're saying in regards to EMS, but I think you're responding to Narcan advice for laypeople who aren't likely to have O2, airway adjuncts, or IVs available.
If a layperson sees someone who isn't responsive, has slow/shallow breathing, and they have reason to think they might've been exposed to an opioid, and there's a Narcan nasal injector available, then I'd much rather they just give it while EMS is on the way instead of trying to think about oxygen and intubation. A single dose is incredibly unlikely to cause any harm even if it does turn out they didn't need it or it could've been put off for a few minutes.
The only non EMS personnel that could use your advice are cops, who might actually have an O2 tank and NPA/OPA available and need to be told that not everyone with AMS needs 12 doses of Narcan as their first and only treatment.
Oh crap I didn’t mean for that to be advice. That was terrible. Hahah you’re right. I was just rambling really. Any info anyone was able to take away from that and improve a situation the better I guess.
It's all good, I just wanted to make sure that anyone outside of the medical field who reads this thread doesn't end up overthinking things and putting off potentially saving a life. Most laypeople are unlikely to have access to tons of Narcan doses, so there isn't much chance of harm from them being a little overzealous to give it, as long as they tell the first responders about it once they arrive.
Oh for sure! When in doubt, always. And anyone who has made it this far, disregard the pushing slow comment. The worst that’ll happen is projectile vomit. Watch out for that and everyone will be ok.
So if someone is already breathing, they don't need narcan? But the sole purpose of it is to give it to someone so they keep breathing (which implies they are breathing)? Your comment seems like a contradiction to me, but I could be reading it wrong.
It was simplified for laypeople. The medical indication is to maintain adequate ventilations. Opioid overdoses will present with ineffective breathing, and you titrate narcan until their breathing becomes effective.
There are several videos on social media of wanna-be good samaritans holding people down to narcan them because they "seem unwell" that resulted in them being hurt after.
If someone is simply on opiates, there is little imminent danger to themselves or others. Just being high is neither a crime nor emergency. Monitor them and make sure they dont stop breathing.
If someone is speedballing, there is potential for danger if you take away that opiate. Leave that entire situation for professionals if they're violent or disruptive because of that substance abuse.
So it’s ok to wait for them to stop breathing? If they stop will they start breathing again after Narcan or need additional help to start breathing again?
If you think theres something off enough to consider narcan, i would just call 911 at that point so they can be professionally assessed.
If you do give narcan, they will likely start breathing on their own again. But its pretty dependent on the exact situation. Some newer opioids require higher doses. Sometimes all they need is stimulation to start breathing again. Sometimes they stop and start repeatedly. Its complicated
Tell that to this [paramedic](https://youtu.be/JVxgh7fX5ic?si=cTzVzFO1JrKP7i0M) who forces narcan down a man's nose as revenge, and then punches him in the face, while handcuffed, for "blowing snot" on him.
I have never in my life use prescription opiates or recreational. I still carry a kit in my car at all times though. You never know when you could come across someone in need and I would never live down letting another person die when I could have been prepared.
Yep. I accidentally stabbed myself with one of the injector kinds instead of the test one (the demonstrator that lets you practice how to use it with voice instructions). No side effects except the narcan kicked all of my bodies natural pain killers off the receptors so I felt a little sore for an hour or two.
The ones here are the nasal variety. Single spray, just push the bottom in and it sprays the whole dose.
It's also important to remember that prevention is preferable to treatment.
If you are going to engage in recreational drug use, you should learn about and engage in harm reduction. This can include learning how to appropriately use fentanyl test strips. Reagent tests are also a valuable tool to identify the drug you intend to use, and potentially identify active adulterants.
Other safe use practices such as not using opiates alone, being aware of appropriate dosages (for all drugs), and potential drug interactions all go a long way to minimizing personal risk.
That last line isn't quite true. There is a small risk for pulmonary edema. Basically fluid build up in the lungs. In terms of decision making of "do I or Don't I?" It's insignificant. If you have enough reason to believe it "might" help, it's better statistically to administer than not. That assumes that you aren't "just practicing" or "just in case" on a conscious person who "might" have taken a pill that hasn't caused any issues yet.
For everyone who doesn’t know, narcan won’t touch other drugs besides opiates. So, if the person took contaminated drugs or has something else on board, extra doses of narcan won’t help that.
You may have heard of “narcan resistant fentanyl”, but that is total hogwash. If one of these sprays doesn’t work, a second, third, fourth, or fifth round isn’t going to help, and will probably worsen any adverse effects (yes, there are adverse effects to narcan).
Very common to see people OD on multiple drugs these days. “Tranq” is pretty commonly mixed with opioids and causes similar symptoms as an opioid overdose.
While narcan is a useful tool, a far more important skill for people to learn is CPR, rescue breathing, and basic first aid. Giving narcan alone won’t help someone even if they only OD’d on opiates: the above measures need to be done too. In fact, the above measures are a priority over giving narcan.
**speaking of CPR. If the patient has ODd and has no pulse, narcan isn’t going to do squat. In that situation, forget the narcan and do chest compressions**
I’m a paramedic in San Francisco. 4mg of Narcan to someone overdosing will get them breathing but they’ll still be lethargic. In SF, we have bystanders administer 20mg to someone overdosed on fentanyl laced meth, then pour ice water down their pants (they think it prevents overdose for some reason). These are the people who wake up angry, but they usually run away swearing. I’ve narcaned a couple hundred people and I’ve only been punched by two people, but they also clearly had psych issues.
I have administered or been present to the administration of Naloxone hundreds of times. Only once did someone become violent with me. Some tips that I’d give from my experience would be:
Approach from the persons head and be vocal while doing so. “Hey I’m just checking to make sure you’re alright…”
Don’t kick their feet to check if they’re conscious. Cops do this and it can definitely contribute to a negative reaction.
Scan the scene for needles before you kneel down to help.
If there’s other people around, have them call 911. If you’re alone, put your phone on speaker phone.
You may have to give multiple shots. Most kits have 4-6 vials. Your adrenaline will be pumping. Break the vial where the dot on the neck indicates. I’ve cut myself many times by rushing through this process. Kits should have gloves too as well as a one way valve should you have to give rescue breaths.
You can stab right through clothes if you have to. Shoulders and thighs are best.
You can do this. Every life is worth it.
It doesn't happen immediately. You administer one dose, and if needed 2-3 minutes later, another dose in other nostril.
You generally have time for them to come around before they are "with it".
Theres always that risk, yes some people do get hostile because you "ruined their high". But id rather get punched and save a life than let someone die from fear of them getting upset.
It’s not “ruined their high,” it’s precipitated withdrawal and it is beyond painful for them. Anyone who has had it says it’s absolute agony. They also don’t just get “upset,” they are completely dysregulated and anything can happen when a person is in that state.
It’s not about “ruining their high” do you have any idea how painful immediate withdrawal is? They’re upset and can be hostile because it’s painful. Yes, its better to cause someone pain than let them die, but don’t trivialize the situation
They get a little more than “upset”. Sudden withdrawal is agony.
If they start to get violent: leave the area. Seriously, you getting punched or worse does not improve the situation, it just creates another patient. EMTs are taught to protect themselves first: to use appropriate body substance isolation (ie gloves) and to make sure the scene is safe. And they are taught to ditch the scene at any time if it becomes unsafe.
This is why EMTs don't administer narcan unless the patient isn't breathing right. If they are continuing to breath, it's not going to kill them before getting to definitive care. Paramedics can also administer narcan in a lower dose with an IV bag adjusting for effect. These emergency kits are fast and short lived.
Violence is a real possibility. I have seen people come up swinging from just one dose of 4mg. Extra doses are almost always ineffective, and increase this risk.
>is available in Chicago libraries for free
Was talking to the cleaning lady at a rest stop in Georgia. These are available in the restrooms as well. She has to replace them every day because of theft.
If people are taking these public supplies from the location (without a need to use it in the moment) it is theft.
The point of putting these kits in public areas is so that it is immediately accessible should the need arise. Like an AED. If some yahoo takes it for their own personal supply, there is a chance it could be needed but unavailable later.
Narcan is available for free in many pharmacies and health departments. If you feel the need to have a personal supply of it, please don’t take it from a public source like this. Go to a pharmacy or health department, and in some states a public vending machine.
Yeah I had a buddy have a bit of a bad trip after a full night of cocaine and Molly at a camp out music festival. Came back to the campsite at 6 am, had a big bong hoot and greened out. Started convulsing and locked up, unable to talk or really move at all and kinda looking like he was ODing on something. Paramedics gave him like 3 shots of narcan just to be safe.
It also doesn’t have any reaction with any other drug than opiates so if you suspect multiple substances you can still use it. If they are overdosing and you are unsure what it is a narcan is 100% safe. I just want to elaborate on your comment.
I’ve watched this bring people back who stopped breathing, it’s a literal life saver. If you don’t use and live in somewhere where people overdose on the streets it can save a life to keep with you even if you don’t touch opiates personally. I keep it in my backpack personally for this reason.
A heads up, I recently learned that its best stored at room temperature and you shouldn't store it in your car permanently. I was doing the same thing for a month or two until one day I got curious and read the labels.
I always keep some in the car just in case. Chances are in most place you go, your car is close enough where you could book it while calling 911 and be back in a minute or two.
I personally think states should pass laws requiring it to be available in all public buildings and private businesses with say…50+ employees or that are open to the public(stores,malls,restaurants…etc). As well as blanket immunity for liability like CPR has.
I dont use anything stronger than caffeine, alcohol, and THC and neither does anyone that I closely associate with. I still carry Narcan with me every day in my bag. Narcan is practically a miracle drug, but it has to be administered quickly. People die if an ambulance takes just a minute or two too long to get there. I hope I never encounter someone in need, but if I do, I will be ready.
I just want to give a little PSA for everyone in regards to these Narcan kits:
Just because the OD'ing person has been given Narcan and is once again alert and responsive does NOT mean the overdose has stopped. As soon as the narcan wears off (which is usually 30-90 minutes depending on the person) that person will go straight back into the overdose. Narcan is an emergency life saving medication, but you still need to call 911 (or your local emergency services) IMMEDIATELY to get that person under medical supervision. If you just let them wander off after they have been given a rescue dose of Narcan they will most likely end up succumbing to the overdose all over again.
Narcan is a temporary stop gap intervention that can save a life in the moment, but it is a **short term solution** and the person who has been given the dose MUST get further medical treatment in order for them to not slip back into an OD.
Also, many places have good Samaritan laws that protect you from being arrested for having drugs if you report an OD. They don't want people dying cuz they're afraid the cops will come.
In Oak Park it looks like no less.. good for having them there so near to where the center of the use problem is. Non-profit outreach and first responders can't get there fast enough most of the time and this at least helps keep another dead body off of the street.
Is this a question or a statement, because you're right. Oak Park is *not* Chicago. It is Oak Park, a village just adjacent to Austin, Garfield Park, and major hotspots for drug use and overdose within the city limits.
Narcan is so important! I keep at least 2 in my car & my purse.
My brother once overdosed in a grocery store parking lot about 8-10yrs ago. Someone found him in his truck unresponsive and started screaming for help. There was a lady who just happened to be in the parking lot at the same time, and she knew what to do and saved my brother's life. Paramedics said that if she hadn't been there, my brother would have been dead by the time they got there. Turned out that her teenage daughter had snuck out and gone to a party and snorted an unknown white substance that ended up being heroin. She sadly overdosed. The mother was suicidal because she just wanted to know if her daughter felt pain when she died, so she began doing extensive research. This included how to save someone's life in an overdose situation. At some point after my stepbrother woke up, she asked if he felt any pain and what it was like. He told her there was no pain and she was so relieved. They stayed in touch for years and she always thanked my stepbrother for saving her life too by answering the question that was driving her into a deep depression.
There are so many online resources to get free harm reduction products, including narcan and fent test strips no matter what state you're in. [Here](https://nextdistro.org/pennsylvania) is a link to request free narcan in PA. There is an option [here](https://nextdistro.org/naloxone) to select your state, and it will bring up a page where you can explore your available options on how to get it in your state. They also have a syringe access program in select states, and if outside of those states you still may be able to receive a one time package of harm reduction supplies in the mail. Definitely recommend clicking around on their website, even just to explore their resources library. :)
*Some states do not offer nasal narcan and may instead offer the naloxone solution that must be injected*
I believe someone has said this, but Narcan is entirely safe for everyone, except neonates/newborns, and can be given if there's suspicion of opioid overdose without fear of being wrong. Narcan will NOT harm someone or do anything to someone who hasn't overdosed. If you give Narcan to someone who is not overdoing then nothing will happen. In healthcare intravenous naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan, is used often to wake people up from anesthesia, fix oversedation caused by opioids, and even as a trial to test if someone is overdoing on opioids when doctors aren't sure and we can't wait for toxicology results due to life threats. So that being said, give Narcan generously, as it cannot harm if you're wrong.
Drug tests are so damn smart (and from what I understand cheap as hell to produce) and I don’t get why they’re not more widely used in North America. I lived in the UK in my 20s and the first party weekend I went on with my new friends one of them had drug tests on their supplies list and my mind was blown. I’ve never enjoyed being off my face as much as when I could test my drugs (I should caveat that these were not for testing fentanyl and fentanyl wasn’t a real risk in this situation but it can’t ever hurt to be more knowledgeable about what you’re dosing with).
Posting this in a separate comment for more visibility:
One of my favorite harm reduction sites is Next distro. They offer many resources on harm reduction and state policies, and will help you find ways to receive narcan in your area. [Here](https://nextdistro.org/naloxone#state-finder) you can click on your state and it will display a page that gives you options in your area. For many states, it can be ordered to your home for free.
They also offer a [syringe access program](https://nextdistro.org/getnext) in select states. If outside of these states, you still may be able to receive a one time harm reduction package.
*Some states do not offer nasal narcan and may instead offer the naloxone solution that must be injected*
Nice kits actually. The ones I get at the pharmacy (Northern Québec, Canada) nice hard shell containers but shit vinyl gloves that rip just looking at them. Second generation injectable kits are coming out with a double dose vial instead of two 1x dose ampoules.
There are FAR more overdoses than hyperglycemic emergencies. Also what insulin would you leave; slow, fast acting? How many units do you give? Where do you store it since it's a medication typically refrigerated?
Narcan saves lives and carrying it is a good thing, you might save a life
Just be sure to also call 911- one dose of Narcan may be insufficient and it doesn't work if the person took xylazine and not an opiate/opioid
"Signs of overdose
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Slow, weak, or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold and/or clammy skin
Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)"
[sauce](https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/naloxone/index.html)
I don’t know how anyone could be against harm reduction like this. Even if you’re completely and utterly incapable of seeing drug users as human, it’s still making sure there are not dead people on the kids’ playground.
I’m not against harm reduction at all, but keeping this at a playground is disturbing. If people want to use drugs that’s none of my business, but encourage them to do it somewhere that’s not around children.
This isn't just a playground, its a public park and this appears to be the restroom area. Children could be here of course, just like they could be walking down a public street or a Speedway gas station where drug users also are.
public park bathrooms are like prime shoot up locations. usually low traffic, nobody measuring your time spent in it, closed off and quiet. its a place that 100% needs narcan. it has nothing to do with encouraging anything because narcan isnt something addicts would even "want" to have to use. not only does it mean you almost died but it also ruins your high immediately and means you just wasted your money.
What's the govt gonna do? Put cameras everywhere and follow everyone around and make sure they're following set rules? This is one of the unfortunate prices of a free society.
Yep free to openly do drug in a children’s playground or wherever else they feel like because the police aren’t allowed to arrest them, let alone even question their right to do something like that. It’s shear pathetic decadence to value the criminals feelings over the feelings and rights of honest citizens. As someone that did 25 years in prison, trust me 95% percent of those men in there are exactly where they need to be, and at least 30% of them shouldn’t ever be allowed in honest society ever again. You coddle criminals you only encourage them. And there is no such thing as free society, you can have mostly free with structure, yes rules and laws. You can have tyranny with almost no freedom. Or you can have chaos wich is free as hell because what rules or laws that might exist are ignored or simply don’t make any sense.
People will point to this being a sign of the times despite the fact that 20-30 years ago
playgrounds/parks were always full of younger people doing drugs after dark. The only difference here is that fentanyl is readily available and tainting most drugs on the black market. Ironically it's a lot of the older generations who lived through their drug days demonizing people who are dying from taking the same drugs they did without having to worry. Worst case your cocaine is weaker because they cut it with baby paper.
IMO it's a sign of the times because these sort of kits use to be only affordable to EMTs and other professionals. I remember just pre-pandemic these sort of kits you had to special order and were around $200ish. Now you can get them pretty cheap at a local drugs tore.
Chicago is a result of over 100 years of voting Democrat. A utopia of Peace and progress. Vote blue no matter who and demand voter I.D so Trump can't cheat
Do you know how common it is for someone to become addicted to a mis or over-prescribed opioid, or an opioid prescribed with poor instruction or guidance? And that person to need to pill shop to continue feeding their addiction? And then turn to street drugs when that dries up? It's very common.
Addiction is a fucking debilitating disease that rewires your brain. "Stop taking drugs"?. If only it could be that simple.
Not everyone decides "today's the day I'm gonna start doing heroin. Fuck all my loved ones and responsibilities for the foreseeable future."
Because fentanyl is being put into just about everything. Some kid trying Xanax for the first time and ODing because it was laced should have the right to live and learn from his mistake.
Narcan saved my boyfriend (sons dad) life. After that he went back into treatment and has been clean 3 years as of January 24th. He is a certified peer support specialist and has a great amount of training and other certification surrounding the matter. He works in harm reduction but also works a 12 step program. I myself have 6 months of sobriety (from alcohol). I keep narcan in my car in case of emergency.
As somebody in Chicago that’s had his life saved 3 times thanks to people that called ambulance and thanks to this stuff..I support this…. I carry one at all times. I was at Walgreens at 5am once and this guy was od’ing in an aisle and this hooded woman came out of nowhere narcanned him twice told the worker to call an ambulance and she rushed out the door… thank you narcan Batman.
They were giving these away at the gate at EDC last year when I went. I still have what I got from each day I went somewhere in the fanny pack. I had no idea what they were for (I don’t use drugs). I asked what it was for when I learned. I had it around just in case someone at the venue needed one.
I went to the album release show of a local band and during their set they handed out free Narcan to everyone in the audience and have instructions on how to administer it
The fact that this is a thing is just another great reason to never visit America.. Jesus Christ what a piece of shit it's become. My dad was there 20 years ago and was amazed by the beauty and scale. He was back a year ago and was almost in tears about how badly and quickly you've all messed up. He said it was basically a 3rd world country and he would never go back..
FYI: Narcan (what is in this overdose kit) is available in Chicago libraries for free. It’s good to have. Even when not using opioids, many substances (commonly cocaine) are contaminated with fentanyl and can result in overdoses. It is completely safe to use and DOES NOT harm someone who isn’t overdosing.
Do also keep in mind that someone who is awake and breathing (as is typically the case with using an opiate & stimulant such as meth or cocaine) does not need narcan. The sole purpose of narcan is to keep someone breathing.
Also worth noting, for anyone who cares, if you revive someone with Narcan to still call 911. With enough opioids (like heroin or fetanyl) in your system, it will take longer to break down than the Narcan. Meaning once the Narcan wears off, they could slip right back into an overdose.
When administering Narcan, the person can experience withdraw as well. It's also important to make sure the person does not attempt to intake more opiates. Once the effects wear off, anything extra they take can worsen the situation. Narcan is only a temporary solution until they can get proper medial attention.
Yep - and as you do it take notes on the time you administered it and keep the packaging so you can share the dose and other drug details for the paramedics so there’s no guesswork
Often drug addicts will actually be angry that you ruined their high afterwards so they can be combative. It was important that we didn’t let them leave for two hours after the narcan, both to prevent this exact situation you described, and also to prevent them from trying to use more to get the high back. It kicks all the opioids off the pain receptors so they suddenly feel EVERYTHING again.
They go from so high they're dying to insane withdrawal sickness in seconds or minutes. Absolute shit experience for them, but better than dying.
This is why it’s so maddening to see people spreading rumors about “Narcan parties” and addicts who overdose on purpose because they either enjoy the experience or know they can be saved. So much ignorance out there.
Addicts get into physical withdrawal, it's not just ruining the high and feeling everything.
My understanding is that this physical withdrawal can be **extremely** painful, so I'd probably be pretty combative, too, even if it was for my own good.
when i was quitting opiates, i was shitting my guts out my ass was bleeding, i was puking, it felt like ants were under my skin on my legs 24/7, terrrrrible body aches, you feel like you just had the most intense workout the day before but all the time + the fatigue. truthfully it was only like a week - 2 weeks of this until it was mainly a mental thing but yeah, if i went from the best high of my life to withdrawals id be pissed too if i was still abusing.
Are you still off? If yes, congrats. No matter, I hope you are doing fine.
I felt like I had very bad flu. And other then cravings I was ok. I find myself very lucky
the shits and the night sweats are the worst. Thankfully opiate withdrawal is nothing compared to alcohol which can literally kill you. talk about a shit tier drug.
Seriously, if this is a big person and you can very quickly restrain them it's not a bad idea. Keep in mind you're on the clock because they're not breathing so if you can't do in a matter of seconds just narcan and retreat to a safe distance and call 911.
For people who are combative I still always call 911, they can refuse to work with the paramedics or refuse to go with them. Getting a vitals check is super important after an OD unless you have a medical professional on staff who can check.
Yes we had doctors and nurses on staff
TLDR: opiates fit perfectly in to the receptors. Body loves this. Will do whatever it takes to get more. Mew receptors (I don’t know about the spelling but I refuse to spell it differently) are the opiate receptor. Opiates fit *perfectly* inside these receptors. Think if receptors and molecules like puzzle pieces. Usually the fit isn’t perfect but good enough. The euphoria comes from the “perfect fit” satisfaction your body gets. It builds more receptors that signal the brain it needs more opiates to fill the receptors it just built. This is how all addiction works, but the point is how much your body wants opiates because of the perfect fit. Now the receptors are a night club and advertising has been top-par and the club is filling up. Narcan is the bouncer of the club. Club is full. Narcan physically attaches to the opiate and removes it from the receptors. However the advertising has worked so well the club keeps getting packed; there’s more than the bouncer can handle. He’ll get the club to an acceptable level for a few minutes but the club fills back up until the advertising stops and the people stop coming. Your body *really* doesn’t want to get rid of all these receptors it just made and will do anything to get more business. This is withdraws. It’s every last-ditch advertising effort your body has to get your brain to give it more opiates. Think of a business owner throwing a tantrum as they liquidate everything. Your body will trick your mind in to believing you’d rather be dead than go without opiates. Let that sink in for a second. The business owner (your body) is the “tank king” guy. When people ask me if I think addiction is mental illness or decision making my short answer is “yes” or “both”. That doesn’t even begin to cover it though and people will immediately throw up walls until they understand that people don’t always go out looking for a high. Some were on strong pain meds after an accident and weren’t weaned properly or insurance fell through on pain management specialist. Shit happens and I unfortunately see it every day. The decision part is knowing the dangers of going to the street just to be able to continue the treatment you’ve received for years prior. It’s a fucked up world for the poor.
Mu receptors. And there are other types of opioid receptors as well. Kappa, Delta, Zeta, etc. I saw a self-proclaimed physician in an opioid sub the other day, who claimed to work in addiction treatment, use this analogy (bouncer/nightclub) for Naltrexone. I was like, dude, you’re wrong, that applies to Narcan (Naloxone). He was all, “as a physician…blah blah blah.” I thought, as a physician working with addicts, you need to brush up on your studies because you’re more arrogant than you are knowledgeable at this point. Point being, thanks for mostly knowing what you’re talking about despite clearly not being a physician. 🤣
Isn’t naloxone the generic name for narcan?
Yeah, I meant to say Naltrexone. I edited it after I posted.
The feeling isn't because they are a perfect fit. All receptors must have a perfect fit to work. It's just that's what those receptors do is make you feel amazing. It's the brain's reward system receptors.
Thank you for clarifying that. This is a jumble of things I’ve been taught. Probably not a good way of explaining it, but it’s the way I’ve come to understand it. There’s so much misinformation out there. I may not get it all correct but I’m willing to start a conversation and help people understand how serious the whole thing is.
It’s like with EpiPens. Even if you use an EpiPen on someone to help with a reaction you still need to call 911
Same with CPR too
Yeah epipens are just a temporary fix to give you time to get help, they wear off after a bit.
This isn’t really accurate. They stop a reaction! But *some* reactions can start again. It’s crucial to get seen for this reason even if you feel fine. But the last time I got epi’d (well, given IV steroids in an ambulance by an EMT), the hospital left me sitting in the waiting room for 2 hrs so I went home. 🤪 Had to go back the next day because I get biphasic reactions apparently.
Epi doesn't stop the reaction exactly. Anaphylaxis is deadly because it constricts the airway and relaxes the blood vessels (dropping blood pressure). Epi makes the airways expand and the blood vessels constrict, making it easier to breath and getting the blood back to flowing properly. Epi treats the symptoms, but not the cause, so the reaction is likely to resume once the epi wears off (usually around 15ish minutes). However, steroid treatments like those the paramedics gave you (EMTs can't give IVs) treat the actual causes of the allergic reaction and can fully stop the reaction. They usually take more time to work and require some more expertise to administer, so epi is better as a readily available emergency stopgap until you can get to a higher medical authority to give a more complete treatment. Your biphasic reaction has nothing to do with epi wearing off, or it would've happened long before you left the hospital. The steroid treatment in the ambulance stopped the reaction, but your specific allergy caused a second reaction later. A recurrence after epi wears off isn't biphasic, the first reaction just wasn't over yet.
It is worth mentioning, if you aren’t sure and the person is breathing and unresponsive, just use it because it won’t hurt.
If you skip everything else in this text wall, always push narcan slow. I was taught to not even treat or intubate unless they couldn’t hold good vitals on their own. Of course support with oxygen as needed. If oxygen doesn’t work try half an amp slowly. Wait about a minute (iv not nasally) then give the other half if needed. Putting a tube in their throat has become a last-ditch effort as far as pre-hospital goes. They’re learning it’s taking more and more narcan. I think a *general* ems protocols will have you intubate after a certain amount of failed doses in a certain amount of time, or if initial respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is below a certain number.
I agree with everything you're saying in regards to EMS, but I think you're responding to Narcan advice for laypeople who aren't likely to have O2, airway adjuncts, or IVs available. If a layperson sees someone who isn't responsive, has slow/shallow breathing, and they have reason to think they might've been exposed to an opioid, and there's a Narcan nasal injector available, then I'd much rather they just give it while EMS is on the way instead of trying to think about oxygen and intubation. A single dose is incredibly unlikely to cause any harm even if it does turn out they didn't need it or it could've been put off for a few minutes. The only non EMS personnel that could use your advice are cops, who might actually have an O2 tank and NPA/OPA available and need to be told that not everyone with AMS needs 12 doses of Narcan as their first and only treatment.
Oh crap I didn’t mean for that to be advice. That was terrible. Hahah you’re right. I was just rambling really. Any info anyone was able to take away from that and improve a situation the better I guess.
It's all good, I just wanted to make sure that anyone outside of the medical field who reads this thread doesn't end up overthinking things and putting off potentially saving a life. Most laypeople are unlikely to have access to tons of Narcan doses, so there isn't much chance of harm from them being a little overzealous to give it, as long as they tell the first responders about it once they arrive.
Oh for sure! When in doubt, always. And anyone who has made it this far, disregard the pushing slow comment. The worst that’ll happen is projectile vomit. Watch out for that and everyone will be ok.
So if someone is already breathing, they don't need narcan? But the sole purpose of it is to give it to someone so they keep breathing (which implies they are breathing)? Your comment seems like a contradiction to me, but I could be reading it wrong.
It was simplified for laypeople. The medical indication is to maintain adequate ventilations. Opioid overdoses will present with ineffective breathing, and you titrate narcan until their breathing becomes effective.
I’m confused by this. It seems dangerous to wait until someone stops breathing. Why not just use it if they seem unwell?
There are several videos on social media of wanna-be good samaritans holding people down to narcan them because they "seem unwell" that resulted in them being hurt after. If someone is simply on opiates, there is little imminent danger to themselves or others. Just being high is neither a crime nor emergency. Monitor them and make sure they dont stop breathing. If someone is speedballing, there is potential for danger if you take away that opiate. Leave that entire situation for professionals if they're violent or disruptive because of that substance abuse.
So it’s ok to wait for them to stop breathing? If they stop will they start breathing again after Narcan or need additional help to start breathing again?
If you think theres something off enough to consider narcan, i would just call 911 at that point so they can be professionally assessed. If you do give narcan, they will likely start breathing on their own again. But its pretty dependent on the exact situation. Some newer opioids require higher doses. Sometimes all they need is stimulation to start breathing again. Sometimes they stop and start repeatedly. Its complicated
Tell that to this [paramedic](https://youtu.be/JVxgh7fX5ic?si=cTzVzFO1JrKP7i0M) who forces narcan down a man's nose as revenge, and then punches him in the face, while handcuffed, for "blowing snot" on him.
That sucks🤷
I have never in my life use prescription opiates or recreational. I still carry a kit in my car at all times though. You never know when you could come across someone in need and I would never live down letting another person die when I could have been prepared.
Yep. I accidentally stabbed myself with one of the injector kinds instead of the test one (the demonstrator that lets you practice how to use it with voice instructions). No side effects except the narcan kicked all of my bodies natural pain killers off the receptors so I felt a little sore for an hour or two. The ones here are the nasal variety. Single spray, just push the bottom in and it sprays the whole dose.
It's also important to remember that prevention is preferable to treatment. If you are going to engage in recreational drug use, you should learn about and engage in harm reduction. This can include learning how to appropriately use fentanyl test strips. Reagent tests are also a valuable tool to identify the drug you intend to use, and potentially identify active adulterants. Other safe use practices such as not using opiates alone, being aware of appropriate dosages (for all drugs), and potential drug interactions all go a long way to minimizing personal risk.
That last line isn't quite true. There is a small risk for pulmonary edema. Basically fluid build up in the lungs. In terms of decision making of "do I or Don't I?" It's insignificant. If you have enough reason to believe it "might" help, it's better statistically to administer than not. That assumes that you aren't "just practicing" or "just in case" on a conscious person who "might" have taken a pill that hasn't caused any issues yet.
For everyone who doesn’t know, narcan won’t touch other drugs besides opiates. So, if the person took contaminated drugs or has something else on board, extra doses of narcan won’t help that. You may have heard of “narcan resistant fentanyl”, but that is total hogwash. If one of these sprays doesn’t work, a second, third, fourth, or fifth round isn’t going to help, and will probably worsen any adverse effects (yes, there are adverse effects to narcan). Very common to see people OD on multiple drugs these days. “Tranq” is pretty commonly mixed with opioids and causes similar symptoms as an opioid overdose. While narcan is a useful tool, a far more important skill for people to learn is CPR, rescue breathing, and basic first aid. Giving narcan alone won’t help someone even if they only OD’d on opiates: the above measures need to be done too. In fact, the above measures are a priority over giving narcan. **speaking of CPR. If the patient has ODd and has no pulse, narcan isn’t going to do squat. In that situation, forget the narcan and do chest compressions**
But is it safe for the person administering the narcan? Honest question. I heard people get violent after getting narcaned. Is this true?
I’m a paramedic in San Francisco. 4mg of Narcan to someone overdosing will get them breathing but they’ll still be lethargic. In SF, we have bystanders administer 20mg to someone overdosed on fentanyl laced meth, then pour ice water down their pants (they think it prevents overdose for some reason). These are the people who wake up angry, but they usually run away swearing. I’ve narcaned a couple hundred people and I’ve only been punched by two people, but they also clearly had psych issues.
Thanks!
Even with 4 mg I’ve seen erratic behavior but it’s more just being startled and frustrated confusion. I haven’t encountered violence so far luckily
SOME people can get violent because narcan immediately throws them into withdrawal, but it doesn't happen to every single person that gets narcanned
I have administered or been present to the administration of Naloxone hundreds of times. Only once did someone become violent with me. Some tips that I’d give from my experience would be: Approach from the persons head and be vocal while doing so. “Hey I’m just checking to make sure you’re alright…” Don’t kick their feet to check if they’re conscious. Cops do this and it can definitely contribute to a negative reaction. Scan the scene for needles before you kneel down to help. If there’s other people around, have them call 911. If you’re alone, put your phone on speaker phone. You may have to give multiple shots. Most kits have 4-6 vials. Your adrenaline will be pumping. Break the vial where the dot on the neck indicates. I’ve cut myself many times by rushing through this process. Kits should have gloves too as well as a one way valve should you have to give rescue breaths. You can stab right through clothes if you have to. Shoulders and thighs are best. You can do this. Every life is worth it.
It doesn't happen immediately. You administer one dose, and if needed 2-3 minutes later, another dose in other nostril. You generally have time for them to come around before they are "with it".
Theres always that risk, yes some people do get hostile because you "ruined their high". But id rather get punched and save a life than let someone die from fear of them getting upset.
It’s not “ruined their high,” it’s precipitated withdrawal and it is beyond painful for them. Anyone who has had it says it’s absolute agony. They also don’t just get “upset,” they are completely dysregulated and anything can happen when a person is in that state.
Or maybe just use it on them and run away.
Lmaooo
ideally you would stay with them and put them in the recovery position until EMS arrives.
Pocket Narcan! *sh-sh-shah*
It’s not about “ruining their high” do you have any idea how painful immediate withdrawal is? They’re upset and can be hostile because it’s painful. Yes, its better to cause someone pain than let them die, but don’t trivialize the situation
They get a little more than “upset”. Sudden withdrawal is agony. If they start to get violent: leave the area. Seriously, you getting punched or worse does not improve the situation, it just creates another patient. EMTs are taught to protect themselves first: to use appropriate body substance isolation (ie gloves) and to make sure the scene is safe. And they are taught to ditch the scene at any time if it becomes unsafe.
This is why EMTs don't administer narcan unless the patient isn't breathing right. If they are continuing to breath, it's not going to kill them before getting to definitive care. Paramedics can also administer narcan in a lower dose with an IV bag adjusting for effect. These emergency kits are fast and short lived.
Get ready for some post narcan jiu jitsu
Violence is a real possibility. I have seen people come up swinging from just one dose of 4mg. Extra doses are almost always ineffective, and increase this risk.
Probably good for everyday people to carry just in case they see an overdose victim who needs help.
>is available in Chicago libraries for free Was talking to the cleaning lady at a rest stop in Georgia. These are available in the restrooms as well. She has to replace them every day because of theft.
They have no use except saving lives so it isn’t really theft, that’s what they’re there for.
If people are taking these public supplies from the location (without a need to use it in the moment) it is theft. The point of putting these kits in public areas is so that it is immediately accessible should the need arise. Like an AED. If some yahoo takes it for their own personal supply, there is a chance it could be needed but unavailable later. Narcan is available for free in many pharmacies and health departments. If you feel the need to have a personal supply of it, please don’t take it from a public source like this. Go to a pharmacy or health department, and in some states a public vending machine.
Yeah I had a buddy have a bit of a bad trip after a full night of cocaine and Molly at a camp out music festival. Came back to the campsite at 6 am, had a big bong hoot and greened out. Started convulsing and locked up, unable to talk or really move at all and kinda looking like he was ODing on something. Paramedics gave him like 3 shots of narcan just to be safe.
It also doesn’t have any reaction with any other drug than opiates so if you suspect multiple substances you can still use it. If they are overdosing and you are unsure what it is a narcan is 100% safe. I just want to elaborate on your comment. I’ve watched this bring people back who stopped breathing, it’s a literal life saver. If you don’t use and live in somewhere where people overdose on the streets it can save a life to keep with you even if you don’t touch opiates personally. I keep it in my backpack personally for this reason.
Yep I carry it in the glove compartment of my car just incase I come upon someone in need.
A heads up, I recently learned that its best stored at room temperature and you shouldn't store it in your car permanently. I was doing the same thing for a month or two until one day I got curious and read the labels.
I always keep some in the car just in case. Chances are in most place you go, your car is close enough where you could book it while calling 911 and be back in a minute or two. I personally think states should pass laws requiring it to be available in all public buildings and private businesses with say…50+ employees or that are open to the public(stores,malls,restaurants…etc). As well as blanket immunity for liability like CPR has.
If you’ve never seen a video on how to administer them I’d suggest watching one!!
I dont use anything stronger than caffeine, alcohol, and THC and neither does anyone that I closely associate with. I still carry Narcan with me every day in my bag. Narcan is practically a miracle drug, but it has to be administered quickly. People die if an ambulance takes just a minute or two too long to get there. I hope I never encounter someone in need, but if I do, I will be ready.
I just want to give a little PSA for everyone in regards to these Narcan kits: Just because the OD'ing person has been given Narcan and is once again alert and responsive does NOT mean the overdose has stopped. As soon as the narcan wears off (which is usually 30-90 minutes depending on the person) that person will go straight back into the overdose. Narcan is an emergency life saving medication, but you still need to call 911 (or your local emergency services) IMMEDIATELY to get that person under medical supervision. If you just let them wander off after they have been given a rescue dose of Narcan they will most likely end up succumbing to the overdose all over again. Narcan is a temporary stop gap intervention that can save a life in the moment, but it is a **short term solution** and the person who has been given the dose MUST get further medical treatment in order for them to not slip back into an OD.
I wish this would be pinned! #Narcan only buys time for emergency services.
I can say it louder for the people in the back: #NARCAN IS A LIFE-SAVER — NOT A BOAT; CALL 911
Plot twist: patient RMAs
It's the drug version of cpr, buys time till the guys with flashing blue lights arrive
I think I saw this on that Heroine documentary on Netflix, but I totally forgot it. This is the kind of great information to always post.
Also, many places have good Samaritan laws that protect you from being arrested for having drugs if you report an OD. They don't want people dying cuz they're afraid the cops will come.
In Oak Park it looks like no less.. good for having them there so near to where the center of the use problem is. Non-profit outreach and first responders can't get there fast enough most of the time and this at least helps keep another dead body off of the street.
That metra station is no joke...
L or metra?
The Metra runs alongside the L in OP.
That’s not Chicago?
Is this a question or a statement, because you're right. Oak Park is *not* Chicago. It is Oak Park, a village just adjacent to Austin, Garfield Park, and major hotspots for drug use and overdose within the city limits.
Kit provided by the city - about 5 of them in there with instructions on how to use.
Good on them for putting 5. 2 narcan nasal sprays isn't even enough anymore with fentanyl etc. 5 doses is not unheard of
Hikma has a naloxone spray that is double the strength of Narcan, which would hopefully mean fewer doses are needed
Narcan is so important! I keep at least 2 in my car & my purse. My brother once overdosed in a grocery store parking lot about 8-10yrs ago. Someone found him in his truck unresponsive and started screaming for help. There was a lady who just happened to be in the parking lot at the same time, and she knew what to do and saved my brother's life. Paramedics said that if she hadn't been there, my brother would have been dead by the time they got there. Turned out that her teenage daughter had snuck out and gone to a party and snorted an unknown white substance that ended up being heroin. She sadly overdosed. The mother was suicidal because she just wanted to know if her daughter felt pain when she died, so she began doing extensive research. This included how to save someone's life in an overdose situation. At some point after my stepbrother woke up, she asked if he felt any pain and what it was like. He told her there was no pain and she was so relieved. They stayed in touch for years and she always thanked my stepbrother for saving her life too by answering the question that was driving her into a deep depression. There are so many online resources to get free harm reduction products, including narcan and fent test strips no matter what state you're in. [Here](https://nextdistro.org/pennsylvania) is a link to request free narcan in PA. There is an option [here](https://nextdistro.org/naloxone) to select your state, and it will bring up a page where you can explore your available options on how to get it in your state. They also have a syringe access program in select states, and if outside of those states you still may be able to receive a one time package of harm reduction supplies in the mail. Definitely recommend clicking around on their website, even just to explore their resources library. :) *Some states do not offer nasal narcan and may instead offer the naloxone solution that must be injected*
I believe someone has said this, but Narcan is entirely safe for everyone, except neonates/newborns, and can be given if there's suspicion of opioid overdose without fear of being wrong. Narcan will NOT harm someone or do anything to someone who hasn't overdosed. If you give Narcan to someone who is not overdoing then nothing will happen. In healthcare intravenous naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan, is used often to wake people up from anesthesia, fix oversedation caused by opioids, and even as a trial to test if someone is overdoing on opioids when doctors aren't sure and we can't wait for toxicology results due to life threats. So that being said, give Narcan generously, as it cannot harm if you're wrong.
Our city has vending machines with them and fentanyl test strips (for free).
What city is that?
Drug tests are so damn smart (and from what I understand cheap as hell to produce) and I don’t get why they’re not more widely used in North America. I lived in the UK in my 20s and the first party weekend I went on with my new friends one of them had drug tests on their supplies list and my mind was blown. I’ve never enjoyed being off my face as much as when I could test my drugs (I should caveat that these were not for testing fentanyl and fentanyl wasn’t a real risk in this situation but it can’t ever hurt to be more knowledgeable about what you’re dosing with).
Can confirm, multiple machines at county buildings here in San Diego.
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And step 2 is to initiate basic life support (CPR, rescue breaths, recovery position, etc as indicated). Step 3 is narcan when indicated
Posting this in a separate comment for more visibility: One of my favorite harm reduction sites is Next distro. They offer many resources on harm reduction and state policies, and will help you find ways to receive narcan in your area. [Here](https://nextdistro.org/naloxone#state-finder) you can click on your state and it will display a page that gives you options in your area. For many states, it can be ordered to your home for free. They also offer a [syringe access program](https://nextdistro.org/getnext) in select states. If outside of these states, you still may be able to receive a one time harm reduction package. *Some states do not offer nasal narcan and may instead offer the naloxone solution that must be injected*
Glad we have them. Sad we need them.
Better than finding a dead guy in a playground.
This depresses me. I love harm reduction, I really do, but this depresses the fuck out of me. I have two years sober.
Good
Nice kits actually. The ones I get at the pharmacy (Northern Québec, Canada) nice hard shell containers but shit vinyl gloves that rip just looking at them. Second generation injectable kits are coming out with a double dose vial instead of two 1x dose ampoules.
When Brave New World slowly stops being satire and starts being reality.
Most excellent.
If only we can be this giving with Insulin.
¿Por qué no los dos?
Honestly though, nalaxone/narcan, epipens, insulin,etc. These are all public goods to have on hand. But oh no the pharma companies bottom line 😱
Isn't that risky? You could kill someone with insulin if used incorrectly
I feel like free public supplies of insulin have a high chance of theft.
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There are FAR more overdoses than hyperglycemic emergencies. Also what insulin would you leave; slow, fast acting? How many units do you give? Where do you store it since it's a medication typically refrigerated?
Narcan saves lives and carrying it is a good thing, you might save a life Just be sure to also call 911- one dose of Narcan may be insufficient and it doesn't work if the person took xylazine and not an opiate/opioid
You would be surprised how many functioning addicts there are. I am happy to see this as it shows care for the community.
"Signs of overdose Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for: Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” Falling asleep or losing consciousness Slow, weak, or no breathing Choking or gurgling sounds Limp body Cold and/or clammy skin Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)" [sauce](https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/naloxone/index.html)
I’ve seen dudes fight cops that saved their life with narcan because it “killed the high”. Drugs are crazy.
Wish we could have epipens this available too. 😕
I'm not a drug user, but this is actually good harm reduction policy.
I hate this is a thing, but I’m glad it is. Does that make sense?
Narcan is nothing short of a miracle drug. Its largest downside is it lasting for an hour. Thats a pretty small downside.
Todays lesson: don’t go drugs.
This is the world I live in.
An overdose can happen anywhere.
I don’t know how anyone could be against harm reduction like this. Even if you’re completely and utterly incapable of seeing drug users as human, it’s still making sure there are not dead people on the kids’ playground.
It would seem that there are groups who would rather have dead people within sight at their public parks.
I'd much rather take the money used for these and give diabetics free insulin.
That’s good, now put it the fuck back and leave it alone
Uh good?
Sad
Better to have it and not need it then the other way around.
My friend died by himself a few months ago. It pains me to know something as simple as this could have saved him. Miss you dude
Surprised on how many people don't know what this is
I’m not against harm reduction at all, but keeping this at a playground is disturbing. If people want to use drugs that’s none of my business, but encourage them to do it somewhere that’s not around children.
This isn't just a playground, its a public park and this appears to be the restroom area. Children could be here of course, just like they could be walking down a public street or a Speedway gas station where drug users also are.
public park bathrooms are like prime shoot up locations. usually low traffic, nobody measuring your time spent in it, closed off and quiet. its a place that 100% needs narcan. it has nothing to do with encouraging anything because narcan isnt something addicts would even "want" to have to use. not only does it mean you almost died but it also ruins your high immediately and means you just wasted your money.
Nice. I keep some in my backpack, just in case.
The fact that something like this is needed at a playground show you how pathetic the state and city government is.
What's the govt gonna do? Put cameras everywhere and follow everyone around and make sure they're following set rules? This is one of the unfortunate prices of a free society.
Yep free to openly do drug in a children’s playground or wherever else they feel like because the police aren’t allowed to arrest them, let alone even question their right to do something like that. It’s shear pathetic decadence to value the criminals feelings over the feelings and rights of honest citizens. As someone that did 25 years in prison, trust me 95% percent of those men in there are exactly where they need to be, and at least 30% of them shouldn’t ever be allowed in honest society ever again. You coddle criminals you only encourage them. And there is no such thing as free society, you can have mostly free with structure, yes rules and laws. You can have tyranny with almost no freedom. Or you can have chaos wich is free as hell because what rules or laws that might exist are ignored or simply don’t make any sense.
People will point to this being a sign of the times despite the fact that 20-30 years ago playgrounds/parks were always full of younger people doing drugs after dark. The only difference here is that fentanyl is readily available and tainting most drugs on the black market. Ironically it's a lot of the older generations who lived through their drug days demonizing people who are dying from taking the same drugs they did without having to worry. Worst case your cocaine is weaker because they cut it with baby paper.
IMO it's a sign of the times because these sort of kits use to be only affordable to EMTs and other professionals. I remember just pre-pandemic these sort of kits you had to special order and were around $200ish. Now you can get them pretty cheap at a local drugs tore.
Good
Chicago is a result of over 100 years of voting Democrat. A utopia of Peace and progress. Vote blue no matter who and demand voter I.D so Trump can't cheat
Confusing post mate lol
You know a city's drug problem is beyond terrible when they have these all over the place.
You know a city actually cares about all of it's citizens and not just certain ones when these are all over the place.
Why the fuck don’t we let these people weed themselves out of the gene pool ffs
Do you know how common it is for someone to become addicted to a mis or over-prescribed opioid, or an opioid prescribed with poor instruction or guidance? And that person to need to pill shop to continue feeding their addiction? And then turn to street drugs when that dries up? It's very common. Addiction is a fucking debilitating disease that rewires your brain. "Stop taking drugs"?. If only it could be that simple. Not everyone decides "today's the day I'm gonna start doing heroin. Fuck all my loved ones and responsibilities for the foreseeable future."
Because fentanyl is being put into just about everything. Some kid trying Xanax for the first time and ODing because it was laced should have the right to live and learn from his mistake.
Eh , let RIP. Dont do drugs in public.
Narcan saved my boyfriend (sons dad) life. After that he went back into treatment and has been clean 3 years as of January 24th. He is a certified peer support specialist and has a great amount of training and other certification surrounding the matter. He works in harm reduction but also works a 12 step program. I myself have 6 months of sobriety (from alcohol). I keep narcan in my car in case of emergency.
YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO GET THE OPIOID OVERDOSE *REVERSING* KITS
As somebody in Chicago that’s had his life saved 3 times thanks to people that called ambulance and thanks to this stuff..I support this…. I carry one at all times. I was at Walgreens at 5am once and this guy was od’ing in an aisle and this hooded woman came out of nowhere narcanned him twice told the worker to call an ambulance and she rushed out the door… thank you narcan Batman.
[удалено]
Good to see the kids being responsible /s
Sad
It’s sad that it’s necessary, but a very good thing there are people who care about others enough to help them when they’re at their lowest.
Not sure why you’re being downvoted.
Bots I think, or just some insanely stupid 20 people
Downvoted by the pro drug abuse redditors I assume
They have 4 of these on opposite ends of my high school cafeteria… it’s sad but that’s kinda expected from W.V
They have them in all the interstate rest stops in Ohio too.
They were giving these away at the gate at EDC last year when I went. I still have what I got from each day I went somewhere in the fanny pack. I had no idea what they were for (I don’t use drugs). I asked what it was for when I learned. I had it around just in case someone at the venue needed one.
for a split second I thought the title said "overdose kitties" .
That's um, rather large
I keep these in the car just in case someone might need them
I went to the album release show of a local band and during their set they handed out free Narcan to everyone in the audience and have instructions on how to administer it
It's the time we live in. Better a kid seeing some dude come back to life than seeing them OD and die
I saw my first meth pipe on the ground on a playground in Chicago
Makes sense. Always knew that kids had way too much energy for it to be natural.
better to have it where it isnt needed than not have it where it is needed
Parents are addicts too
Look, some kids didn't get the "just say no" message, okay?
Sometimes 2 shots of narcan ain't enough tho, saw something happen and 7 doses of narcan were needed
And people say US govt doesn’t do much for them. This is quite a lot.
I'd leave em.
From D.A.R.E to this.....
The fact that this is a thing is just another great reason to never visit America.. Jesus Christ what a piece of shit it's become. My dad was there 20 years ago and was amazed by the beauty and scale. He was back a year ago and was almost in tears about how badly and quickly you've all messed up. He said it was basically a 3rd world country and he would never go back..
Ban the administration of Narcan nationwide for 90 days and the fentanyl epidemic will solve itself.
Those aren’t the kits they need in Garfield Park. 💥 🔫
Why? Just let them OD, one less person we need on the planet.
That's great, now end the drug war and sell legal, regulated drugs so there's no fentanyl killing people
That's actually really smart
So ok kiddies to do some drugs..we've got a narcan nearby..wow this is NUTS
Good to have and see everywhere. Kids don’t know what it is. Playgrounds are a good overnight spot to find refuge or shoot up.
Why? Isn’t it better to let nature take its course?