Narcan how to use: What you need to know in an emergency

When someone overdoses on opioids, every second counts. Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes. Also known as naloxone, it works by kicking opioids out of brain receptors and restoring normal breathing—no prescription needed in most places. It’s not a cure, and it’s not a high. It’s a reset button for a body shutting down.

Narcan comes in two main forms: a nasal spray and an injectable. The nasal spray is the most common for non-medical use. You don’t need training to use it—just follow the steps. Tilt the person’s head back, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and press the plunger hard. That’s it. If they don’t respond in 2-3 minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril. Even if they wake up, call 911. Narcan wears off faster than most opioids, and the overdose can come back.

People who use opioids, their family members, friends, or coworkers should all have access to Narcan. It’s not just for addicts—it’s for anyone who might be at risk, including those prescribed painkillers, people recovering from addiction, or even someone who unknowingly took a pill laced with fentanyl. Many pharmacies now sell it over the counter. Some states even distribute it for free through public health programs. Keep it where you keep your first aid kit—in your car, your purse, your workplace drawer. You won’t need it every day, but when you do, you’ll wish you had it.

Some worry that having Narcan encourages drug use. That’s not true. Studies show it doesn’t increase opioid use—it saves lives. And when someone survives an overdose, they’re more likely to seek help. Narcan doesn’t judge. It doesn’t care why someone took the drug. It just gives them a chance.

After giving Narcan, stay with the person. Watch for signs they’re breathing again. If they’re still not responsive, start CPR if you know how. Don’t leave them alone—even if they seem fine. They need medical care. Emergency responders will know what to do next. And if you’re ever unsure whether someone is overdosing, give Narcan anyway. It’s safe. It won’t hurt someone who didn’t take opioids.

You’ll find real stories below—how parents used Narcan to save their teens, how bystanders revived strangers on the street, how one dose turned a tragedy into a second chance. These aren’t hypotheticals. These are lives saved because someone knew how to use Narcan.