Learning How Narcan can Reverse the Effects of Opioids with Sacramento Halfway Houses

California’s capital city, Sacramento, offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. Nestled along the Sacramento River, it’s a hub for government affairs but also boasts a thriving arts scene, farm-to-fork cuisine, and exciting nightlife. History buffs will love exploring Sacramento’s rich past. The California State Capitol, a magnificent granite structure, is a must-see. Despite Sacramento’s many positive attributes, like any community, it faces challenges, including the struggles of opioid addiction.

In Sacramento, California, the opioid crisis has had significant impacts on public health. In Sacramento County, during 2018, there were 70 opioid-related overdose deaths, representing a 25% increase from 2016. Nearly 7,000 Californians lost their lives due to opioid-related overdoses in 2022. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. The Sacramento County Opioid Coalition actively distributes Naloxone and promotes training to combat opioid-related emergencies.

Efforts to tackle this crisis require healthcare professionals and the community to collaborate closely. By understanding and implementing evidence-based strategies, we can work to reduce the impact of opioids on public health in California. Currently, the city faces a significant public health challenge due to substance addiction, particularly opioids. If you’re seeking a safe living environment free from exposure to illicit drugs, consider a California halfway house. These facilities in Sacramento provide a supportive community where individuals work together towards common goals, offering the assistance needed to facilitate positive changes in life.

Is overdose on the rise in Sacramento County?

Yes, overdoses have been increasing in Sacramento County. According to the CDC, there were 107,622 overdose deaths nationwide in 2021, which is the highest annual death toll on record from drug overdose fatalities, representing a 15% increase from the previous year.

In Sacramento County, 116 people lost their lives in 2021 due to fentanyl poisoning, and 50 have died in the first 7 months of 2022. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45 in the United States, surpassing suicide, gun violence, and car accidents. It’s alarming that illicit fentanyl is now found in virtually all street drugs, including cocaine, meth, heroin, Xanax, Oxy, Percocet, Adderall, marijuana.

Remember, education and awareness are crucial tools in preventing overdoses. Naloxone/Narcan is a medication that can reverse an opioid or fentanyl overdose and can be obtained through local pharmacies or health departments. Sacramento County continues to invest in programs and services to support those struggling with addiction, including expanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) residential treatment and medication-Assisted Treatment programs.

What does Narcan do to your body?

Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that acts as a lifesaver in opioid overdose situations. Its primary function is to rapidly reverse the effects of opioids in the body. 

Opioids bind to specific receptors in the body, particularly in the brainstem, and slow down the central nervous system. This can lead to dangerously slowed breathing or even complete respiratory arrest during an overdose. When administered, Narcan binds to these same opioid receptors, essentially pushing the opioids off. This effectively blocks the opioids from exerting their effects.

By blocking the opioid receptors, Narcan reverses the suppression of breathing caused by the overdose. This allows the person to resume normal breathing and regain consciousness. Additionally, Narcan helps reverse other effects of an opioid overdose, such as drowsiness, confusion, and decreased muscle tone. It’s important to remember that Narcan is only effective if a person has opioids in their system. It has no effect on someone who hasn’t taken opioids.  The medication’s effects also wear off after 30 to 90 minutes.

Does Narcan have any negative side effects?

Narcan (naloxone) is a medication designed to reverse opioid overdoses. It’s a very safe medication with minimal side effects of its own. However, there can be negative effects due to its interaction with opioids in the body. The most common side effect is opioid withdrawal symptoms. This happens because Narcan blocks the effects of opioids in people who are dependent on them. When this happens, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, muscle cramps, and anxiety.

There can also be mild side effects from Narcan itself. These include a runny or stuffy nose, headache, dizziness, and pain at the injection site. It’s important to remember that these side effects are temporary and far less dangerous than an opioid overdose. If someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, the benefits of using Narcan far outweigh the risks of any side effects.

Remember that Narcan is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect an opioid overdose, drug treatment centers in Sacramento offer a variety of programs and services to help people overcome addiction and live healthy lives. These centers can provide medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, and other support services.

The Bridge to Wellness from Addiction and How Narcan can Reverse the Effects of Opioids with Sacramento Halfway Houses

Opioid addiction is a serious condition where a person becomes dependent on opioid drugs, despite the negative consequences in their life. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl. These drugs produce feelings of euphoria and pain relief, but with continued use, the brain and body become dependent on them. In 2017, there were 2,199 overdose deaths involving opioids in California, with a rate of 5.3 deaths per 100,000 persons. The majority of these deaths were related to prescription opioids

With the help of Narcan, a life-saving medication, individuals can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and inhibiting the drug’s impact. People who are in recovery from opioid addiction are at an increased risk of overdose. Through raising awareness and cultivating a supportive atmosphere, California halfway houses help save lives and guide individuals towards recovery. These communities share a common mission of addressing addiction, particularly illicit drugs like opioids. For those ready to embrace positive change and begin their journey to recovery, seeking refuge in a halfway house in Sacramento can be a significant step forward.

Resources:

[1] Overdose Is On the Rise In Sacramento County – Sac County News

[2] All About Narcan Nasal Spray – Healthline

[3] California’s Opioid Response – CA Gov