Opioid Response Initiative and Resource Guide

New Jersey Addiction Treatment Hotline
1-844-276-2777

What is Narcan (naloxone)?
Naloxone is an opiate antidote which blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose. Opioids include heroin and prescription pain pills like morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone and vicodin.

How does naloxone work?
If a person has taken opioids and is then given naloxone, the opioids will be knocked out of the opiate receptors in the brain. Naloxone can help even if opioids are taken with alcohol or other drugs. After a dose of naloxone, the person should begin to breathe more normally and it will become easier to wake them. Naloxone gives concerned helpers a window of opportunity to save a life by providing extra time to call 911 and carry out rescue breathing and first aid until emergency medical help arrives.