Naloxone Resource Hub
Where to get naloxone, how to use it, and why everyone — regardless of whether they use drugs — should carry it.
Why You Should Carry Naloxone
Fentanyl contamination has spread far beyond heroin. It is now regularly detected in cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, counterfeit Xanax, counterfeit Adderall, pressed pills, vape cartridges, and in rare cases cannabis. If you are at a festival, club, or party where any substance use is happening, you are in proximity to fentanyl.
The person who overdoses may not be the person actively using. It could be someone who took one pill not knowing it contained fentanyl. It could be a friend who accidentally touched fentanyl-laced residue. Carrying naloxone is the same as carrying a first aid kit — you hope you never need it, but if you do, it is the difference between life and death.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medication that temporarily reverses opioid overdoses. It works by displacing opioids from receptors in the brain, restoring breathing within 2-5 minutes.
- Not a controlled substance — legal to possess in all 50 US states and all Canadian provinces
- No prescription required — available over the counter at most pharmacies
- No medical training needed — anyone can administer it
- Cannot be abused — has no effect if opioids are not present
- Safe — even if given to someone who isn't overdosing, it causes no harm
- Expires — check the date and replace every 18-24 months
Limitations
Naloxone only reverses opioid overdoses. It does NOT reverse alcohol poisoning, benzodiazepine overdose, GHB/GBL overdose, stimulant overdose, or xylazine (tranq) sedation — xylazine is not an opioid and is NOT reversed by naloxone. If someone is unresponsive and you are not sure what they took, administer naloxone anyway. It will not harm them, and if an opioid is involved, it could save their life.
Recognize an Overdose
Does not respond to shouting or sternal rub
Fewer than 8 breaths per minute, or not breathing
Cyanosis — a sign of oxygen deprivation
Agonal breathing — breathing has nearly stopped
Extremely constricted pupils
If You See Any of These Signs:
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer naloxone (nasal spray or injection)
- Begin rescue breathing if they are not breathing
- Stay with them until help arrives
- If no response in 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose
Good Samaritan laws in most US states and all Canadian provinces protect you from prosecution when seeking medical help for an overdose. You will not get in trouble for calling 911.
Where to Get Naloxone
United States
| Resource | Cost | How |
|---|---|---|
| Local pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart) | $40-60 (insurance may cover) | Ask the pharmacist — no prescription needed in most states |
| NEXT Distro (nextdistro.org) | Free (plus shipping) | Mail-order naloxone with online training |
| National Harm Reduction Coalition (harmreduction.org) | Free or low-cost | Directory of local harm reduction programs |
| Local health department | Free or low-cost | Many cities distribute free naloxone |
| SAMHSA (samhsa.gov) | Varies | Find treatment and naloxone access near you |
Canada
| Resource | Cost | How |
|---|---|---|
| Local pharmacy (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall) | Free (most provinces) | Ask the pharmacist — free in ON, AB, BC, QC |
| Local health authority | Free | Many regional health authorities distribute free kits |
| Toward the Heart (towardtheheart.com) | Free | BC-specific: map of free naloxone locations |
| Canadian Mental Health Association | Free or low-cost | Select locations distribute naloxone |
How to Use Naloxone
Narcan Nasal Spray
- Place the person on their back
- Insert the nozzle into either nostril
- Press the plunger firmly to release the dose
- Begin rescue breathing if not breathing
- Call 911
- If no response in 2-3 min, give second dose
Injectable Naloxone
- Remove the needle cap
- Inject into outer thigh (through clothing is fine)
- Push the plunger to deliver the dose
- Begin rescue breathing if not breathing
- Call 911
- If no response in 2-3 min, give second dose
Rescue Breathing
- Tilt the person's head back and lift their chin
- Pinch their nose closed
- Give one breath every 5 seconds
- Continue until they start breathing on their own or help arrives
Naloxone + Test Kits: Complete Safety
Naloxone reverses overdoses. Test kits prevent them. If you use any substance from a non-pharmacy source, the responsible approach includes both — test every batch before consuming and carry naloxone in case the test misses something.
This page is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.