Rehab Educates Where to Find Narcan in Knoxville

Fort Sanders, Tennessee -

Knoxville, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery, a local rehab for those living with opioid use disorder, published an article educating on where to find Narcan® (naloxone) in Knoxville. Their program features flexible, outpatient therapy paired with medication-assisted treatment at their multiple locations throughout Appalachia.

“Narcan® (naloxone) has been a life-saving tool to reverse opioid overdoses, but the history behind it has always been complex. The first appearance of an opioid antagonist was in the 1950s when a Merck medication with the trade name Nalline® (nalorphine) emerged. However, clinics opened to provide it as a way for police to monitor individuals who were suspected to be using opioids. This ended up proving negative, as people would turn to other substances that Nalline® (nalorphine) would not have an effect on, specifically amphetamines.

Most Nalline® (nalorphine) clinics closed in the late 1970s, after Narcan® (naloxone) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1971. It was developed by scientist Jack Fishman who was trying to create a medication to treat constipation associated with opioid use. Narcan® (naloxone) did not gain traction for use after being approved and was mainly utilized in hospital settings and as an emergency response.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that Narcan® (naloxone) started being distributed outside medical settings. Over the next decade, it would gain more prevalence as the opioid crisis boomed throughout the United States. Today, Narcan® (naloxone) is widely available through different harm reduction programs and local and state government agencies. The goal of Narcan® (naloxone) is to reverse overdoses, but also implement social change in a positive way,” the article states.

Tennessee offers various harm reduction programs. Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) are available throughout the state and provide free sterile injection supplies, including needles and syringes. They also offer HIV testing, overdose prevention, referrals for those seeking substance use disorder treatment, and much more. Some sites are mobile while others are in fixed locations, making them accessible to all.

The Knox County Harm Reduction Coalition works to distribute Narcan® (naloxone) throughout local communities. The goal is to report and track doses of Narcan® (naloxone) administered by first responders. This shows where the need for resources is throughout Knox County, and the agency will provide free Narcan® (naloxone), education on overdoses, and treatment referrals.

“The Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) is a group dedicated to providing Narcan® (naloxone) throughout Tennessee. The group aims to work with first responders, those at risk for an overdose and their loved ones, and recovery organizations with treatment and community resources. However, ROPS is open to anyone in the communities looking to receive education and Narcan® (naloxone),” the article continues.

Training for Narcan® (naloxone) administration is available in Knox County through the health department and can be done online or in person. The goal is to educate citizens to recognize an opioid overdose, administer Narcan® (naloxone) properly and safely, and what to do next. The class also educates about rescue breathing techniques. Once the training is complete, attendees will get a free Narcan® (naloxone) kit that includes 2 vials of Narcan® (naloxone) medication, 2 nasal atomizers, 2 face shields, and educational brochures.

ReVIDA® Recovery has been providing resources and community connections for all who want to know more about opioid use disorder. Their program has helped many throughout Tennessee and Virginia to reclaim their lives. They work to break barriers that keep patients out of treatment by connecting them to housing, transportation, education, and more. All facilities also accept commercial insurance and Medicaid.

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