Opioid Overdose FAQ + Resources
In response to the ongoing challenges of opioid overdoses and substance use in the Methow Valley, we want to take a minute to answer some questions we’ve fielded recently:
How can I help if I see someone experiencing an overdose?
Consider adding Narcan and a CPR face shield to the list of things you keep in your car (make sure to read the temperature restrictions for extreme heat/cold) or bag!
What’s Narcan?
Narcan (naloxone) is a nasal spray that is highly effective in reversing the effects of opioid overdoses. It is also frequently used with aging adults and children, in cases where medications have been taken by mistake or confusion of dose occurs.
Narcan only works on opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone etc.). If opiates are mixed or cut with non-opioid compounds (xylazine or other forms of tranquilizers/sedatives), Narcan will reverse the effects of the opioids but will not address the potentially deadly effects of the other substances.
What if I’m not sure if it’s actually an opioid overdose?
It’s still okay to use Narcan. Narcan does not have any negative side effects, has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and does not interact with other medications. There have been no documented cases of allergic reactions and it will not harm children or pets if they become exposed to it in any way.
I administered Narcan but they’re still not breathing. What do I do now?
Making sure they’re still getting oxygen is crucial. CPR and rescue breathing can help maintain oxygen flow until emergency help arrives. And thanks to our partners at Family Health Centers, and a grant from the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), we’ve been able to add CPR face shields to our Narcan take-home kits for an added layer of protection.
Can I get Narcan at Room One?
Yeah! Narcan is free and available to anyone, no questions asked. You can also pick up fentanyl and xylazine test strips and CPR face shields. These items are accessible without any appointment required. You don’t even have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to (though obviously we’d love it if you did)–we keep them in our restrooms and in the lobby right next to the condoms and hygiene products. The test strips can be used to test substances directly or to test urine if you suspect the substance already used could be contaminated. Test strips are for personal use, created as a resource to support Harm Reduction and promote safety.
Doesn’t having Narcan readily available encourage drug use?
Studies consistently show the opposite, actually! We work from a harm reduction model, which means you don’t need to be sober or even actively in recovery to access our services. In this model, people are much more likely to engage in other services that put them on the road to recovery. Our focus is on creating trust, building relationships with people in active addiction, and making sure everyone has access to life-saving tools and resources.
Support available:
Weekly Peer Support Group on Mondays at 5:30-7pm
1:1 support from a peer with shared experience having navigated decades of addiction
Mobile clinic apps (like Boulder Care) for access to suboxone, anxiety medications, counseling, and more—all through your phone. Our team can help you set this up and complete the intake process.
The Recovery Navigator program connects you to services outside the community, including treatment and temporary safe housing, and other supportive resources
For questions or to connect with one of our advocates, call us at 509-997-2050 or email ronda@roomone.org