Naloxone at Home: An Opioid Overdose Preparedness Guide

Many people keep a first aid kit or a fire extinguisher at home without expecting to use it. Naloxone belongs in the same category for any household touched by opioids. It is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, and having it nearby can give someone time to get emergency care.

This guide explains what naloxone is, who might want to keep it, how to recognize an overdose, and what to do if it happens. It is general information, not a substitute for training from a pharmacist, medical provider, or community program.

If you think someone is overdosing right now, call 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is in emotional crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.

What naloxone does

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. In simple terms, it can knock opioids off the receptors in the brain that control breathing, which may restore breathing in someone who has overdosed. It works on opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications. It does not reverse overdoses from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants on their own, though it is generally considered safe to give if you are unsure what someone took.

Naloxone commonly comes as a nasal spray, and some forms are injectable. In the United States, a nasal spray version is available over the counter, and pharmacies and community programs are common places to get it. A pharmacist can explain what is available near you.

Who should keep naloxone

You might consider keeping naloxone if:

• You or someone in your home takes prescription opioids, especially at higher doses or alongside sedatives
• Someone you love uses opioids or other drugs that could be mixed with fentanyl
• Someone close to you is in recovery from opioid use, including after treatment or incarceration, when tolerance may be lower
• You work or volunteer in a setting where you might encounter an overdose

Keeping naloxone is not a statement about anyone. It is preparation, the same way a smoke detector is.

Recognizing an opioid overdose

Signs that someone may be overdosing include:

• Unresponsive or very hard to wake
• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Gurgling or snoring-like sounds
• Pale, gray, or blue lips and fingertips
• Very small, pinpoint pupils
• Limp body

If you are not sure, treat it as an overdose. Giving naloxone to someone who is not overdosing on opioids is generally not harmful.

What to do, step by step

Instructions vary slightly by product, so read the package and practice in advance. The general approach:

1. Try to wake the person. Shout their name and rub firmly on the breastbone with your knuckles.
2. Call 911. Tell the dispatcher someone is not breathing or is unresponsive. Follow their instructions.
3. Give naloxone. For a nasal spray, lay the person on their back, tilt the head back, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and press the plunger.
4. Support breathing. If you are trained in rescue breathing or CPR, follow the dispatcher's guidance.
5. Place them in the recovery position if they are breathing: on their side, top knee bent, to help keep the airway clear.
6. Stay with them. If there is no response after a few minutes, a second dose may be needed according to the package directions.

Naloxone wears off, and some opioids last longer than naloxone does. That means a person can slip back into overdose after initially responding. This is why calling 911 and staying with the person until help arrives is so important, even if they wake up.

What waking up can look like

When naloxone works, the person may wake up suddenly. Some people feel sick, agitated, or confused, and may experience withdrawal symptoms. Stay calm, explain what happened, and encourage them to wait for emergency responders. Do not let them use more opioids to ease withdrawal, as that can lead to another overdose.

Storing and checking naloxone

• Keep it somewhere easy to find, and tell others in the home where it is.
• Store it at room temperature, away from extreme heat or cold, such as a car in summer.
• Check the expiration date and replace it when needed.
• Consider keeping more than one dose.

Talking about naloxone with family

Bringing up naloxone can feel awkward, especially with someone in recovery. Some worry it suggests they expect a return to use. Framing it as a safety tool, like a seat belt, often helps.

You might say, "I picked this up because I care about you and everyone in this house. I hope we never need it." Make sure everyone who might be present knows the signs of overdose and how to use the medication.

Naloxone and recovery go together

Naloxone saves time in an emergency. Ongoing treatment addresses what comes before and after. For opioid use disorder, many people benefit from a combination of counseling and medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, prescribed and monitored by a clinician. The right approach depends on the individual and should be discussed with a prescriber.

Support in Ohio

SOS Wellness offers addiction treatment for adults in Ohio, including medication-assisted treatment prescribed by our own clinical team when clinically appropriate, alongside counseling and psychiatric care. Our intensive outpatient program is available in person at our Middletown clinic and virtually for adults located in Ohio.

If you or someone you care about is ready to talk about opioid use treatment, you can request an appointment or contact us with questions. Remember that SOS Wellness is not an emergency service: for an overdose, always call 911 first.