Reducing Naloxone Stigma
By Stephanie Kinnander, a Prevention Specialist with the Northeast Prevention Resource Center at the Human Service Agency.
The opioid crisis isn’t something happening “somewhere else.” It’s affecting families, friends, and neighbors in communities all across South Dakota. That’s why having simple, life-saving tools readily available matters so much. One of the most effective tools we have is naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan. It can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes and give someone a second chance at life.
Naloxone is becoming easier to access through pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and community organizations, but stigma still stands in the way. Some people worry that promoting or carrying naloxone sends the wrong message or encourages drug use. In reality, naloxone is about safety, not approval. It’s no different than learning CPR or keeping a fire extinguisher nearby. We don’t expect an emergency, but we’re grateful to be prepared when one happens.
What makes naloxone so powerful is that it puts the ability to save a life into the hands of everyday people. Friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, teachers, and coaches, anyone can be trained to recognize an overdose and respond quickly. When naloxone is available in a community, people can act with confidence instead of fear during a crisis, and those few minutes can make all the difference.
Promoting naloxone distribution also means changing how we think about addiction. Substance use disorder is a health condition, not a moral failure. When we approach it that way, providing naloxone becomes a natural part of caring for our community as an act of compassion, prevention, and public health.
You don’t have to be a medical professional to make an impact. Supporting naloxone distribution can be as simple as getting trained, sharing information, or encouraging your workplace, school, or community group to keep naloxone on hand. Many local organizations, including health departments and nonprofits offer free naloxone kits and training.
If you or someone you care about uses opioids, the risk of overdose is real whether accidental or not. Opioid misuse can happen to anyone, and overdose can occur even when medications are prescribed. Knowing the warning signs and being ready to act quickly can save a life. Signs of an opioid overdose may include:
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Slow or no breathing
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Unresponsiveness, including not reacting to noise or a firm knuckle rub on the chest
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Blue-gray lips or fingernails caused by lack of oxygen
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Pinpoint pupils, even in low light
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Gurgling or choking sounds
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A limp or unresponsive body
Naloxone is straightforward and easy to use. If you suspect an overdose:
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Assess the situation by trying to wake the person
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Call 911 immediately and follow dispatcher instructions (South Dakota law protects the person who calls for help)
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Administer naloxone according to the instructions for the available delivery method
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Keep the person breathing and alert, if possible
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Place them on their side to prevent choking
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Stay with them until help arrives
More information on recognizing and responding to an overdose is available at www.letsbeclearsd.com/prevention/reverse-overdose.
Naloxone should be as common as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and CPR classes. By talking openly about it and encouraging access, we reduce stigma, save lives, and strengthen our communities. Promoting naloxone isn’t about drugs, it’s about people, and making sure help is there when it’s needed most.
For more information, contact the NE Prevention Resource Center at the Human Service Agency at (605) 884-3516 or visit www.humanserviceagency.org/NEPrevention. To stay informed, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NEPRC.HSA.