September 9, 2026 BY imani leave a comment
What would you do if someone next to you overdosed?
Would you know what to look for? Would you know where the Narcan is? Would you know what to do?
You don’t need to be a medical professional to help save someone’s life. But you do need to know what an opioid overdose looks like — and how to respond.
What Is Narcan (Naloxone)?
Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore someone’s breathing.
It works on overdoses involving opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.
And here’s something important: anyone can carry Narcan.
You don’t have to use opioids yourself to carry Narcan around. You could carry it for a friend, a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor (or simply because you want to be prepared).
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
An overdose can look different from what you might expect.
Someone experiencing an opioid overdose may:
- Be unconscious or unable to wake up
- Have slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Make choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- Have very small “pinpoint” pupils
- Have pale, blue, or discolored lips or fingernails
- Have a limp body
Not sure if it’s an overdose? Treat it like one.
When you’re trying to figure out whether someone is simply sleeping, very intoxicated, or overdosing, seconds matter. If you can’t wake them and you’re seeing these signs, act.
How to Respond to an Overdose: 4 Steps
1. Give Narcan if you have it. For nasal Narcan, place the tip of the device into one nostril and press the plunger firmly.
2. Call 911. Naloxone is temporary. Emergency medical care is still needed.
3. Stay with them. Try to keep the person breathing and place them on their side to help prevent choking.
4. If they don’t respond, give another dose. Naloxone can begin restoring breathing within 2–3 minutes. If the person hasn’t responded, another dose may be needed.
We’ve included a short demonstration so you can see exactly what using nasal Narcan looks like.
WATCH: How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray →
You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of “Doing It Wrong”
If you think someone is overdosing, using naloxone won’t harm them if opioids aren’t involved.
It’s better to give it when you’re unsure than to wait while someone stops breathing.
And you don’t need to wait until there’s an emergency to learn.
Where to Keep Narcan
Keep it somewhere you can reach quickly:
- Your car
- Your bag
- Your home
- Your workplace
MASS provides free Narcan and harm reduction resources.
If you need Narcan or want to learn more about overdose prevention, connect with us.
We’ll help you get the resources and information you need.
National Save a Life Day Is September 24
This year, don’t just remember the day.
Learn what to look for. Learn how to respond. Carry Narcan. Share what you know.
Because sometimes saving a life starts with simply being prepared.
Get Narcan. Learn how to use it. Be ready. 💜