Naloxone

In 2023, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) released a public safety alert that 7 out of 10 counterfeit pills seized contained lethal doses of fentanyl.

• Source: One Pill Can Kill. (n.d.). DEA. https://www.dea.gov/onepill

In 2022, the USA experienced a 12.3% increase in overdose fatalities involving the mixture of cocaine and fentanyl.

• Source: Spencer, M. R., M. P. H., Garnett, M. F., M. P. H., Miniño, A. M., M. P. H., U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, & National Center for Health Statistics. (2024). Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 2002–2022. In NCHS Data Brief (No. 491).URL: NCHS Data Brief, Number 491, March 2024 (cdc.gov)

In 2022, Arizona has continued to experience a rise in opioid related negative outcomes:

• 5 opioid overdose deaths each day
• 9 non-fatal opioid overdose events each day
• 142 opioid related hospitalizations each day 

Overview

Naloxone (Narcan), an over-the-counter nasal spray, is an opioid overdose reversal medication that can be given to someone experiencing an opioid overdose or fentanyl poisoning.

Signs that someone may be experiencing opioid overdose or fentanyl poisoning:

• Unconsciousness or inability to awaken
• Slow or shallow breathing, or difficulty breathing such as choking sounds, or a gurgling or snoring noise from a person who cannot be awakened
• Discolored skin, especially in nails or lips
• Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils" that don't react to light

If someone is unconscious and you are unsure if they are overdosing, always call 911 and monitor their symptoms while you wait for emergency services to arrive. 

How to reverse opioid overdose or fentanyl poisoning?

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention created a Video on How to Use Naloxone that outlines how to administer this over-the-counter medication. Please remember to call 9-1-1 first if a person is unconscious or shows any sign of fentanyl poisoning. Calling 9-1-1 before pursuing further assessment or administration of Naloxone, ensures the person's access to critical medical assistance in this situation. 

To learn more about Naloxone view the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Naloxone FAQs.

To assess risk associated with the use of prescription medications, complete a confidential and anonymous screening tool designed to help individuals understand immediate and long-term risk of prescription drug misuse. This screening tool can be accessed through ScreenU Rx. 

If you have misused prescription medications, currently use counterfeit pills, take other people's medications, or use other illicit substances, reach out to ASU Counseling Services to discuss your concerns.

Concerned about a friend’s use of counterfeit pills or illicit substances?

If a friend has a medical need for prescription medications, encourage them to obtain this medication through a prescription prescribed by a health provider and filled at a local pharmacy. To schedule an appointment with an ASU Health Services provider, call 480-965-3349 or make an appointment through the ASU Health Portal.

If you recognize signs associated with prescription drug misuse, encourage your friend to speak with their health provider. Common behavior and physical changes associated with prescription drug misuse are:

• Behavior changes
  • Sudden mood or personality changes
  • Avoiding or switching friends and peer groups
  • Beginning to use additional drugs
  • Losing interest in personal appearance, hobbies and interests
  • Family history of alcohol or other drug use
     
• Physical signs and symptoms
  • Opioids: coma, unconsciousness, slowed or shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, staggered gait, constipation
  • Depressants: fatigue, confusion, respiratory depressions, slurred speech, blurred vision, slowed reflexes, impaired coordination, dizziness.
  • Stimulants: convulsions, seizures, chest pain, coma, dilated pupils, paranoia and nervousness, loss of appetite or sudden and unexplained weight loss, hyperactivity, hallucinations, nausea, low blood pressure. 

If your friend is experiencing any of these symptoms encourage them to connect with ASU Counseling Services to discuss their concerns about opioid and illicit drug misuse. 

Consider carrying Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. One can obtain this life saving medication through three different points of contact:

• Request at ASU Health Services Clinics
• Receive after attending campus sponsored educational training related to the National Opioid Epidemic 
• Purchase at local pharmacies surrounding campus

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention created a Video on How to Use Naloxone that outlines how to administer this over-the-counter medication. Please remember to call 9-1-1 first if a person is unconscious or shows any sign of fentanyl poisoning. Calling 9-1-1 before pursuing further assessment or administration of Naloxone, ensures the person access to critical medical assistance. 

Arizona has a Good Samaritan Law which prohibits an individual who has sought medical assistance related to an overdose from being charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance if the evidence for the charge or prosecution of the drug-related crime resulted solely from seeking medical assistance. However, individuals can be prosecuted for other non-drug related crimes at the scene and arrested. 

ASU has put into place a Good Samaritan Protocol, to further advance our Community of Care. Under the Good Samaritan protocol, students and organizations that seek assistance for themselves or others should do so without fear of university disciplinary action. Students are expected to contact ASU Community Assistants, ASU Police, or seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1 when assistance is needed for a student in medical distress. 

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Drug Fact Sheet: Naloxone
• National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse - The goal of NCAPDA is to create awareness of the dangers caused by prescription drug abuse.
• For information on how to speak to loved ones on the dangers of counterfeit pills use the resources located in the Substance Abuse Coalition Leaders of Arizona Toolkit - SACLA (saclaz.org). 
• Arizona Region of NA – Arizona Region of Narcotics Anonymous to locate local meetings in your area.
• NaloxoneAZ to find a Naloxone distribution site across the state of Arizona.

The TC Chillemi Wellness Homecoming Event raises awareness on the topic of counterfeit pills and use of illicit drugs. Through storytelling, this event highlights ASU resources available to assist students who struggle with substance misuse and encourages students to check-in with one another when signs of substance misuse are recognized. 

Recovery Rising supports students who are in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, eating disorders, self-harm or traumatic experiences, who are interested in recovery, or want to support someone in recovery. Consider joining Recovery Rising, ASU’s Collegiate Recovery Program.

To request a training on how to deliver naloxone and learn more about fentanyl in the environment, fill out the Request Wellness Education Webform.