You may have heard that there are medications that can help someone recover from an opioid overdose. One of these medications is Naloxone. Naloxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can help those who have overdosed from heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It can be administered through an intranasal spray, and injections in the muscle, skin, and veins. 

Medical professionals and private individuals can have access to the drug. In emergency situations, such as an overdose, Naloxone can be the difference between life and death for a person struggling with addiction.

Who Are The Best Candidates To Take Naloxone?

Those who are at high risk for overdose or if one is in an active medication-assisted treatment MAT program can be prescribed naloxone. If any of the following are true, then naloxone is a viable option:

  1. History of long-term use of very high doses of opioids to help with the symptoms of pain.
  2. Are taking opioid medication.
  3. Have been released from the emergency room after poisoning or intoxication.
  4. Taking extended-release opioid medications.
  5. Enrolled in a detox program or abstinence program.

Even pregnant women can qualify to use naloxone with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Individuals can be taught by a medical professional on how to administer the drug, and it is recommended that the drug is in one’s possession at all times. 

While naloxone works for reversing opioid overdose, it isn’t effective for every drug overdose. Benzodiazepines and stimulants such as cocaine won’t respond well to naloxone treatment.

What Are The Side Effects Of Naloxone?

What Is Naloxone And Who Can Take ItNot everyone will benefit from naloxone. Some people can be allergic to the treatment and may see swelling in their faces, lips, and throat. This is a dangerous side effect and should be treated by a medical professional immediately if these signs are present. Those taking naloxone may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Irritability
  • Nervousness
  • Body aches and pains
  • Weakness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and stomach discomfort
  • Fever and chills
  • Nasal issues such as sneezing and runny nose

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have developed an overdose toolkit. This resource provides information for communities and governments to find better and improved ways to reduce and prevent opioid overdoses and deaths.

If you are struggling with an addiction to opioids, the best way to prevent overdose is to not overdose in the first place. Overdosing on any drug puts your life at great risk. Enrolling in treatment will provide you with the support, tools, education, and resources to help you safely detox and learn how to stay sober. The medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place in Tennessee is a respite from your addiction and a calming place to heal. Discovery Place’s Tennessee addiction alternative treatment center has a tremendous in-patient program that will hold your hand through every step of the recovery process.

Call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center anytime at 1-800-725-0922 to speak with one of our compassionate and informative staff members. We know where you are coming from because many of our staff have been in your shoes and have had success with recovery at Discovery Place.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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