Naloxone Myths & Facts

Naloxone Kit

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019

MYTH


Having naloxone available encourages people to take more drugs.

FACT


When someone has access to naloxone, their level of drug use does not change. Being revived with naloxone is not fun. It can cause painful and severe physical and emotional symptoms. For this reason, people only use naloxone in life-threatening situations.

MYTH


People won't seek treatment if they have their own naloxone.

FACT


There is no evidence to support this statement. Naloxone increases the chance of someone seeking treatment by keeping people alive.

MYTH


Naloxone is not effective for treating fentanyl overdoses.

FACT


Naloxone is both safe and effective for reversing fentanyl overdoses, though it may take more than one dose and a quicker response.

MYTH


Naloxone is unnecessary. Overdoses can be reversed by putting ice in the person’s pants or injecting them with salt water or milk.

FACT


Naloxone and rescue breathing are the only safe and effective methods of reversing an opioid overdose.

MYTH


I can only get naloxone if I have a prescription from a doctor.


FACT


Any person who asks a pharmacist for naloxone for themselves or someone else can purchase naloxone, with or without a prescription. However, this does not necessarily mean that every pharmacy will always stock naloxone, so we suggest calling ahead to make sure they have it on the shelf.


  1. Naloxone Kit

    Individuals Need To Carry Life-Saving OD Med


    Many paramedics and police officers carry an “Opioid Overdose Kit” as part of their standard-issue equipment. The Surgeon General is urging more Americans to acquire the same life-saving medication these first responders give overdose victims: Naloxone.
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    Methandone/Buprenorphine Myths & Facts


    Myth: Taking methadone or buprenorphine is replacing one addiction with another. Fact: There is a difference between addiction and physical dependence. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine help stabilize people who are addicted to opioids, which improves their ability to maintain jobs and relationships. Separate the myths from the facts regarding these two medications used to treat opioid addiction through helping people feel stable and reducing their cravings to use opioids like heroin.