Narcan Is A Vital Tool In Craven County, North Carolina

Craven County has had to dramatically increase its supply of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, in 2021. Overdoses are at an all-time high, not only in Craven County but scattered across the United States.

Increase in Administering Narcan in Craven County

Last July, New Bern Police Chief Patrick Gallagher gave a warning about a rapid increase in overdose in his part of the county. He’s seen more people died and first responders rescued more people, all through the use of Narcan.

“We have administered NARCAN 88 times so far," New Bern Police Lieutenant Donald McInnis told the media at the time. "Compared to last year where we only administered 43 doses of NARCAN between January and July.”

In North Carolina, Craven County ranked the highest for overdose deaths in 2020, with 213 occurring within the span of a year. This was a sharp increase from years past, although the numbers have always been higher than other parts of North Carolina.

What is Narcan?

The fact that Narcan, also known by the generic name naloxone, is being administered more shows that it has become a powerful tool in the war on addiction. Many people can benefit from carrying the lifesaving drug.

Narcan is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It can work for street opioids like heroin or prescription medications like  Percocet or OxyContin. While it can help for overdoses involving alcohol, naloxone cannot work for other drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.

Narcan is an important tool that can save lives. People who use opioids, their families, friends, and even concerned citizens should consider carrying the lifesaving drug. It can help one person live another day to find recovery.

What Happens After an Overdose?

After an overdose, you need to get medical attention, even if you have used Naloxone to reverse the overdose. The ER can help test the person who overdosed and make sure there is no damage to their body or organs. Some people get very sick from overdoses and need to recover in the hospital.

Many people who overdose want to turn their lives around. While in the ER, North Carolina, there are usually people who are available to talk to you about your options. Medication-Assisted Treatment is an important tool that you can get started with to help you stay sober.

Therapy, 12-step programs, and in or outpatient programs are also options you may want to consider.

Getting Help With Medication-Assisted Treatment

Getting clean and sober can help you reclaim your life. If you have a substance use disorder, help is available! We’re here to help you make a decision that helps you address your addiction, without judgment. Give us a call to learn more about our services and how we can help at 910-295-7246.