When it comes to addressing the opioid crisis, knowing where to get Narcan could save lives. Opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths, with U.S. statistics painting a clear picture of the ongoing problem. In 2022 alone, there were 81,806 overdose deaths involving opioids, up from 49,860 in 2019, according to the National Institute for Drug Abuse.1

More recently, in August 2024, about 20% of Americans surveyed said they believe opioid and fentanyl addiction is the biggest public health threat.2 

In the sections ahead, you’ll find out where you can get Narcan, whether it’s for an emergency or to have on hand, and why easy access to this life-saving medicine matters.

 

 

What Is Narcan?

Narcan, also called Naloxone, is a medicine that helps antagonize the effects of opioids. Opioids are strong painkillers, but if someone takes too much, it can slow down or stop their breathing. That’s where Narcan comes in—it acts quickly to block the opioids in the body.

Keep in mind that Narcan isn’t a replacement for emergency medical care; it’s a temporary solution until the individual can receive professional help.

 

What Is It Used For?

Narcan is primarily used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including heroin, morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. It’s essentially a rescue medication that works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, restoring normal breathing and consciousness to the person experiencing the overdose. 

It’s not just for overdoses. In an in-depth study published in the Jama Network Open, Narcan has also been used for people with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), especially when opioids might be involved. Between 2015 and 2023, EMS teams treated 8,195 patients with OHCA. Around 715 of these cases (8.7%) were believed to be drug-related, and naloxone was given to 1,165 patients (14.2%).

According to the study, naloxone made a big difference:

  • More people got their circulation back
  • More people survived to leave the hospital

It’s important to note that Narcan can only reverse the effects of opioids; it can’t treat other types of overdoses. If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, administering Narcan as soon as possible can save their life.

 

Where to Find Narcan? 

If you ever face an emergency where someone needs Narcan, it’s vital to be aware of where you can get it quickly. 

In early 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan’s 4-milligram nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC) use. This means you don’t need a prescription to buy it anymore. It’s the first naloxone product approved for nonprescription use, making it easier for everyone to have access to this life-saving medication.

You can also find the bright-pink Narcan boxes in many everyday places, such as:

  • Drugstores: Most pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, keep Narcan in stock. You can ask for it at the counter or find it on the shelves, though you may still need a prescription in some states.
  • Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, and Gas Stations: Many large retailers, including Walmart and Kroger, also stock Narcan. Availability may vary by location, so checking with your local store is advisable. In some areas, gas stations are also stocking Narcan for easy access.
  • Online: You can order Narcan online from trusted retailers and have it shipped directly to you. One fine example is Open Aid Alliance, which offers free overdose reversal kits as part of its Save a Life program. 
  • Health Clinics: Health clinics and community health centers often have Narcan on hand and can provide training on how to use it.
  • Overdose Prevention and Recovery Programs: Local and national overdose prevention programs, such as Project Lazarus, often distribute Narcan rescue kits for free.
  • Colleges and University Campuses: Many educational institutions have pharmacies or health services that provide free naloxone doses and kits. For instance, the UCLA Narcan Distribution Project provides students and staff with free access to Narcan.

Having Narcan available at these locations means it’s easier to get when you need it, whether for yourself, a loved one, or someone in the community. Since opioid overdoses can happen unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to know where to get Narcan and keep it on hand, especially if you or someone you know uses opioids or works in situations where they might encounter an overdose. 

Can’t find Narcan near you? Call 911 immediately! First responders often carry it and can use it to help save lives.

 

 

 

Save a life today. Learn about Narcan and other life-saving medications, as well as available detox treatment options, to help those struggling with addiction.

 

Sources:

  1. NIDA. (2024, August 21). Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and Figures | National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates#Fig3
  2. Opinion on leading public health threat in the U.S. 2024 | Statista. (2024). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1414565/public-opinion-on-leading-public-health-threat-in-the-us/