Carrying Naloxone: A Life-Saving Responsibility We All Share
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The Importance of Carrying a Naloxone Kit
It is crucial for everyone to have a naloxone kit on hand. The possibility of saving a life can arise unexpectedly, and you might find yourself in a position to help someone in dire need.
When I discuss this topic with friends, the responses vary widely. Some express a strong aversion to needles, while others believe they would never come into contact with someone who might require such assistance.
For those unfamiliar, naloxone is a medication designed to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Administering it promptly can significantly enhance a person’s chance of survival. Importantly, using naloxone will not create an addiction or result in harm, making it safe to apply even if opioids haven't been used.
Experiencing Addiction in Our Communities
If you reside in North America, you’ve likely encountered individuals grappling with addiction in public spaces. Those who seem homeless, with visible signs of drug use or injection wounds, may be particularly noticeable. Often, people refrain from giving them spare change, fearing it will fund their addiction, and some even choose to walk a different path to avoid them.
Others may be less visibly affected but still struggling. A close friend of mine lost her son to an overdose in their bathroom. He seemed to have his life together—working and engaged to be married. Tragically, he succumbed to cocaine laced with fentanyl, which he believed was safe to use.
Would you be willing to administer naloxone to someone who overdosed in your home, perhaps the teenage daughter of a friend or a star athlete from your community? Many who die from drug overdoses are often surrounded by people who could intervene and save them.
I carry a naloxone injectable kit in my vehicle, and a compact nasal spray version in my bag. My son passed away alone during a night of using drugs. If he had been with someone, he might have been given a second chance.
Embracing the Responsibility to Save Lives
Some individuals may not fit the stereotype of those in need of help, but that does not diminish their worth. Carrying naloxone could make a difference in the life of someone you know. For those who are uncomfortable with needles, the nasal spray is a more user-friendly option.
You never know when it could be someone close to you—a person you least expect—who might face a life-threatening situation. Failing to act could lead to the tragic loss of a promising individual, someone with so much potential to contribute to the world.
A university student recently died from fentanyl poisoning in a dorm room. By the time naloxone was administered, it was tragically too late. She had no chance to share what she had taken with her parents or friends.
Normalizing Naloxone in Public Spaces
What if we normalized carrying naloxone kits? Imagine a kit readily available in every college dormitory or a central location on campus, accompanied by basic training on overdose response.
In 2019, I worked at a high school where a team taught students how to use naloxone kits. There was pushback—why would those students need to know? I often wonder if any of them have since saved a life or guided someone else in doing so.
The Reality of Addiction
Continuing to assume that the crisis of drug-related deaths only affects marginalized individuals may prevent us from recognizing the broader impact of addiction.
Anyone can be affected, even those who seem unlikely candidates. It could be a family member or friend who, during a stressful moment, chooses to experiment with a substance. They may end up in a life-threatening situation while their friends stand by in disbelief.
The capacity for empathy is vital. As Barbara Kingsolver said, “Empathy is really the opposite of spiritual meanness. It’s the capacity to understand that every war is both won and lost. And that someone else’s pain is as meaningful as your own.”
For more insights on addiction and human experiences, consider following Fourth Wave. If you have a story that highlights issues faced by women or marginalized groups, we encourage you to share it with us!
Chapter 2: Understanding Naloxone
In this video, you will learn how to properly use naloxone in an emergency situation. Understanding its application could save a life.
Chapter 3: Responding to an Overdose
This video provides detailed guidance on using a naloxone kit on someone experiencing an overdose. Knowing what to do can make all the difference in critical moments.