In the fight against opioid overdoses, Narcan (naloxone) stands as one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives. Yet despite its proven effectiveness, myths and misconceptions continue to prevent people from carrying and using this life-saving medication. Let’s explore why Narcan matters and address the dangerous myths that persist.

The Local Reality: Our Northeast Florida Community

The opioid crisis isn’t just a national problem—it’s affecting our neighbors right here in Northeast Florida. The numbers tell a story of both challenge and hope:

Flagler County: According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Flagler County experienced 30 overdose deaths in 2023, up from 28 in 2022.

District 23 (St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler Counties): In 2024, there were 54 deaths involving fentanyl, down from 80 in 2023—a 33% decrease that shows community intervention efforts are making a real difference.

While Florida has seen a 26% decline in opioid-related deaths statewide from 2023 to 2024, and District 23 Medical Examiner Dr. Wendolyn Sneed reports that all three counties in our region have experienced declines in overdose deaths, every single life lost still represents a family forever changed, a community member we could have saved. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.

Why Narcan Matters

Narcan is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. When someone overdoses on opioids—whether prescription painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl—their breathing slows or stops entirely. Narcan works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, restoring normal breathing within minutes.

The statistics are clear: Communities with widespread Narcan access see significant reductions in overdose deaths. This medication doesn’t just save lives in the moment—it gives individuals another chance at recovery, another opportunity to connect with support services, and another day with their loved ones.

Who Should Carry Narcan?

The answer is simple: anyone. If you or someone you know uses opioids, you should have Narcan available. But it’s not just for people who use substances. Family members, friends, coworkers, and community members can all play a role in preventing overdose deaths.

Debunking Dangerous Myths

Myth #1: “You can get high from Narcan”

The Truth: This is absolutely false and scientifically impossible. Narcan has zero potential for abuse because it produces no euphoric effects whatsoever. In fact, Narcan does the exact opposite of opioids—it blocks opioid receptors rather than activating them. There is no “high” to experience. Narcan only works if opioids are present in someone’s system, and even then, it simply reverses the overdose. If you give Narcan to someone who hasn’t taken opioids, nothing happens. This myth is particularly dangerous because it may cause people to hesitate in emergency situations or avoid carrying Narcan altogether.

Myth #2: “Narcan enables drug use”

The Truth: Narcan saves lives, period. Research shows that Narcan availability does not increase drug use. What it does do is provide a safety net that allows individuals to survive long enough to seek help. Recovery isn’t possible if someone doesn’t survive their overdose. In our three-county region alone, having Narcan readily available has contributed to the 33% decrease in fentanyl deaths we’ve seen from 2023 to 2024.

Myth #3: “Using Narcan is complicated and requires medical training”

The Truth: Narcan is designed for anyone to use, even without medical training. The nasal spray version is as simple as spraying into one nostril. You cannot harm someone by administering Narcan, even if they’re not experiencing an opioid overdose. As Lauren Ramirez from Salus Medical Training explains, “As soon as you put that into their nostril, it releases the opioid from their brain receptor.”

Myth #4: “Narcan makes people violent when they wake up”

The Truth: While some individuals may experience confusion or withdrawal symptoms when Narcan reverses an overdose, violent reactions are rare. The person administering Narcan should give the individual space and wait for emergency services to arrive. The temporary discomfort is far better than the alternative.

Myth #5: “One dose of Narcan is always enough”

The Truth: With the prevalence of fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids in Northeast Florida, multiple doses of Narcan may be necessary. The 54 fentanyl-related deaths in our region in 2024 underscore how powerful these substances are. This is why it’s important to call 911 immediately, even after administering Narcan. Emergency responders can provide additional doses and medical care.

Myth #6: “Narcan is expensive and hard to get”

The Truth: Right here in Flagler and St. Johns Counties, free Narcan is readily available. Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services provides free Narcan kits and training to anyone who wants them. We also offer free Narcan distribution kiosks—The Barney Naloxone Stand—for local businesses in Flagler County. We deliver, install, and keep them full at no cost. In St. Johns County, DiscoverRecover provides similar services. Pharmacies across Florida allow you to obtain Narcan without a prescription.

Myth #7: “If someone needs Narcan, they’re beyond help”

The Truth: Needing Narcan doesn’t mean someone has failed or is hopeless. Substance use disorder is a medical condition, and overdose is a medical emergency. Many people who have been revived with Narcan have gone on to achieve long-term recovery. Every person deserves that chance.

How to Respond to an Overdose

1. Check for signs: Unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, blue lips or fingernails, gurgling sounds
2. Call 911 immediately: Even if you have Narcan, emergency medical help is essential
3. Administer Narcan: Follow the instructions on the package—nasal spray goes in one nostril
4. Perform rescue breathing if trained: Provide oxygen while waiting for Narcan to work
5. Give a second dose if needed: If the person doesn’t respond within 2-3 minutes, give another dose
6. Stay with the person: Keep them on their side and stay until help arrives

Building Recovery-Friendly Communities in Northeast Florida

Widespread Narcan access is just one piece of building recovery-friendly communities. When we combine harm reduction tools like Narcan with education, peer support, and compassionate care, we create environments where people feel safe seeking help without fear of judgment or stigma.

The progress we’re seeing—from 80 fentanyl deaths in 2023 to 54 in 2024 in District 23—shows that our community efforts are working. Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, Medical Examiner for St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, confirms that all three counties have experienced declines in overdose deaths. But we can’t stop now. Every life matters.

At Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services, we believe every life is worth saving. We offer free Narcan training that covers the basics of Narcan administration, legal protections, the effects of opioids, and why Narcan matters to our community. No one should hesitate to carry Narcan because of myths or misinformation.

Take Action Today

• Get trained: Attend a free Narcan training session with Flagler OARS or DiscoverRecover
• Request a kiosk: If you’re a business owner in Flagler County, request a free Barney Naloxone Stand
• Carry Narcan: Keep it in your car, home, or bag—anywhere you might need it
• Share information: Help dispel myths by educating others about Narcan
• Advocate: Support policies that increase Narcan access and Good Samaritan laws
• Show compassion: Remember that behind every overdose is a person deserving of dignity and a chance at recovery

Narcan doesn’t enable addiction—it enables survival. And survival is the first step toward recovery. By understanding the truth about Narcan and rejecting harmful myths, we can all play a role in saving lives and supporting our neighbors on their journey to wellness.

Together, we can continue the progress we’re making in Northeast Florida. Contact Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services at flagleroars.org or DiscoverRecover at discoverrecover.org to learn more about Narcan training and how to make your business or organization recovery-friendly.

The opioid crisis is hitting close to home—but there’s HOPE. Our community is seeing real progress:

THE LOCAL REALITY:
�Flagler County: 30 overdose deaths in 2023
� District 23 (St. Johns, Putnam & Flagler): Fentanyl deaths dropped from 80 in 2023 to 54 in 2024—a 33% DECREASE

Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, Medical Examiner for our counties, confirms ALL THREE counties are experiencing declines in overdose deaths But dangerous myths about Narcan still prevent people from carrying this life- saving medication.

Let’s set the record straight:
MYTH: “You can get high from Narcan” TRUTH: Scientifically IMPOSSIBLE.
Narcan has ZERO potential for abuse. It blocks opioid receptors—it doesn’t activate
them. There is no “high” to experience. If you give Narcan to someone without opioids
in their system, nothing happens.
MYTH: “Narcan enables drug use” TRUTH: Research shows Narcan availability
does NOT increase drug use. In our three-county region, having Narcan readily
available has contributed to the 33% decrease in fentanyl deaths we’ve seen from 2023
to 2024.
MYTH: “You need medical training to use Narcan” TRUTH: Anyone can use
Narcan! The nasal spray is as simple as spraying into one nostril. You can’t harm
someone by administering it.
MYTH: “Narcan is expensive and hard to get” TRUTH: FREE Narcan is available
right here!

Flagler OARS provides free Narcan kits, free training, and free distribution kiosks (The Barney Naloxone Stand) for businesses. Discover and Recover serves St. Johns County. We deliver, install, and keep them full at NO COST.

The Bottom Line: Our community went from 80 fentanyl deaths to 54—a 33% drop. Community intervention WORKS. But we can’t stop now. Narcan doesn’t enable addiction—it enables SURVIVAL. And survival is the first step toward recovery.

�� 80 → 54 fentanyl deaths (33% decrease) �� Every person deserves a chance at life
�� Every community member can be a lifesaver �� Progress is possible when we work together

Want to help save lives? �� Contact Flagler OARS for free Narcan training or to request a kiosk for your business �� flagleroars.org | discoverrecover.org

Together, we’re building a recovery-friendly Northeast Florida. ��