Rehab Shares Where to Find Narcan in Johnson City

Johnson City, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local rehab that released a blog post sharing where to find Narcan® (naloxone) in Johnson City. Their goal is to bring education and resources surrounding opioid use disorder to the communities of Appalachia.

“The importance of Narcan® (naloxone) is to save lives. However, this comes with a lot of stigma. One stigma surrounding Narcan® (naloxone) is that it encourages people to use more opioids because they possess the life-saving medication. A recent survey found that the opposite is actually more prominent. Those who have been given Narcan® (naloxone) before stated they would not want the medication again. The effects of Narcan® (naloxone) are intense as it throws the person into precipitated withdrawal. Survey participants revealed that this made them feel very unpleasant symptoms and they would not want to feel that way ever again. Because of this, participants reported they were more cautious with their opioid use when they knew Narcan® (naloxone) was present.

"Another stigma is that Narcan® (naloxone) doesn’t fix the problem, it just allows the person to continue on with their opioid use disorder. This is not entirely true – yes, some will continue their use after being revived with Narcan® (naloxone). However, many choose the path of treatment. Receiving Narcan® (naloxone) can act as a wake-up call and allow the person the opportunity to seek treatment. Addressing the opioid use disorder instead of just the overdose is the beginning of recovery,” the blog states.

Harm reduction programs often include needle exchanges. In Johnson City, East Tennessee State University has partnered with Cempa Community Care to provide needle exchange services and Narcan® (naloxone) distribution. The goal is to offer sterile injection supplies to those using intravenous substances as well as education about HIV/AIDS and other bloodborne illnesses.

Narcan® (naloxone) is widely available through many outlets in Johnson City including Insight Alliance. They provide Narcan® (naloxone) to anyone in need of the life-saving medication. Carrying Narcan® (naloxone) is not just for those taking opioids – family members, friends, and community members should all have the medication on hand just in case. Insight Alliance also connects those in recovery to support groups and resources.

“Finding Narcan® (naloxone) online is an easy process as it is widely available. Amazon carries different Narcan® (naloxone) kits ranging in price and amount of doses. CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies with online shopping also sell Narcan® (naloxone). Various overdose prevention websites provide shipping for Narcan® (naloxone) and some even offer it for free. Harm Reduction Tennessee distributed Narcan® (naloxone) for free anywhere in Tennessee. They also provide other products for harm reduction including syringes, glassware, and test strips for fentanyl and benzodiazepines,” the blog continues.

Training is not required to administer Narcan® (naloxone), but it is highly recommended to learn how to give the medication properly. ROPS connects with local, Johnson City training sessions. The state of Tennessee has made it easier to get connected to training by offering an online program. The course takes 15-20 minutes to complete and awards a certificate at the end. The course educates on administering Narcan® (naloxone), spotting the signs of an overdose, and what to do when an overdose occurs.

ReVIDA® Recovery provides educational tools surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD). They believe in the importance of harm reduction as well as medication-assisted treatment for those looking to recover from OUD. They welcome all who come through their doors and accept Medicaid along with commercial insurance.

To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.