Narcan prescriptions in NH

weirdscience · Jun 5, 2015

As the sibling of a current addict, I am grateful that responders were recently able to Narcan my stepbrother. As an RN, I know that recovery is a long shot, and I know how difficult these patients can be. But he's younger than me, otherwise healthy, and I have to hope that someday he will quit.

And a PP was correct: they will risk OD, Narcan availability or not. According to my brother, he knows the whole family is sad, angry, and disappointed in him, but he feels completely numb. Drugs and drinking are the ONLY priority.

I think this is a good thing, if only for the small percentage of young addicts who will survive their OD to one day get clean. I do know people who have, even if they are few and far between.

OCNRN63, RN · Jun 5, 2015

PA is doing this now as well, where emergency responders and even friends/relatives of those at risk can obtain a prescription. Considering the recent spike of heroin overdoses (10 in 24 hours! 5 of those within 5 hours!!), I see available naloxone prescriptions (with the required education/training) as something that can only do good in bad situations.

I hadn't heard this about Pennsylvania. That's great!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2015

Right next door, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is looking into narcan availability and administration in schools as well. Sadly, we have a growing number of heroin overdoses in the state...

aeris99 · Jun 6, 2015

Our first responders in New Hampshire (fire, police and EMT) all have Narcan on hand. I suppose it was the thought of enabling addiction that got me.

But as PP said those whose are using heroin or are abusing narcotics are going to do so whether they have the antidote on hand or not.

I wish we could see as big of a push for mental health and addiction services in addition to OD preparations. I'm thinking that would make more of an impact.