Naloxone (AKA Narcan) is a substance that can be administered to someone experiencing an opioid overdose to temporarily restore breathing until medical attention can be sought.

Naloxone can be administered via intramuscular injection or nasal spray. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it attaches to receptors in the body to block the effects of opioids for between 30-90 minutes.

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a form of drug testing technology that can aid in the prevention of overdoses and the reduction of harm. FTS are small strips of paper that have been shown to detect the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in drug samples prior to ingestion. People can choose to implement strategies to reduce the risk of overdose based on the results of the test strips.

Harm reduction is a theoretical framework that includes practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Naloxone administration training is part of this framework.

Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. Even though you will be taught the signs of opioid overdose in training, if you're ever not sure about administering naloxone in a situation, there is no harm in trying. You could end up saving a life!

Dates will be announced on Today@Brown for training sessions that will take place at the Health & Wellness Center, 450 Brook St.

Brown students, staff and faculty are welcome to attend. Anyone with a Brown email address can register

Register for Training

 Rhode Island Department of Health. (2021). Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose. Retrieved from RI Department of Health.