In the United States, a person has a greater statistical likelihood of dying from an accidental opioid overdose than in an automobile accident.[1] In 2022, across the country, over 106,000 people died from drug overdoses.[2] This is a staggering number from any objective measure.
New Jersey has not been spared. In 2022, there were 2,892 suspected drug-related deaths in New Jersey according to the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner.[3] This number represents a 7.4% decrease from the 3,124 suspected drug deaths in 2021 and, if confirmed, would be the fewest number of fatal overdoses in New Jersey since 2017. So, while overdose deaths continue to climb nationwide, New Jersey appears to be bucking the trend. However, New Jersey still has a long way to go to overcome the opioid crisis.
An overdose can occur when a person misuses prescription medication (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine) deliberately or accidentally, or uses illicit drugs such as heroin.[4] Whether they are prescription or illicit, taking opioids in combination with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, xylazine, or prescribed medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin, Valium) can also lead to respiratory depression and death.[5]
Common warning signs that a person is misusing prescription opioids and/or using illicit opioids:
Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
The opioid reversal drug naloxone should always be available for emergency situations where an overdose victim has stopped breathing or is in danger of stopping breathing.
Naloxone, an opioid antidote, reverses an opioid overdose by restoring normal respiration to an overdose victim whose breathing has slowed or stopped.[8] If someone is experiencing a medical emergency other than an opioid overdose—such as a diabetic coma or cardiac arrest—giving them naloxone will generally not have any effect or cause them additional harm.[9] And naloxone can be given safely to people of all ages, from infants to adolescent to older adults.[10] Because naloxone is safe and non-addictive, [11] it should be administered whenever an opioid overdose is suspected.[12]
If you think that someone is overdosing on an opioid or another substance, you should:
Naloxone takes 2-5 minutes to take effect.[14] It may require more than one dose, especially if an overdose involves illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Because the beneficial effects of naloxone usually subside after 30 to 90 minutes, and because there may be side effects and medical complications after an overdose, it is important to have the person checked by a medical professional as soon as possible after receiving naloxone.[15]
Naloxone comes in two FDA-approved forms: an intramuscular injection and a prepackaged nasal spray. No matter which form you use, it is important to receive training on how and when to use naloxone.[15]
The intramuscular injection is frequently used by hospitals and first responders, but may also be used by laypeople with training. It is a needle that can be injected straight into muscle in the shoulder (like a flu shot) or thigh. For instructions on how to administer injectable naloxone, please visit: https://prescribetoprevent.org/patient-education/videos/
A mucosal atomizer device (“MAD”) is a prefilled device that sprays medication into the nose. For instructions on how to administer naloxone intranasally using the MAD device, please visit: https://prescribetoprevent.org/patient-education/videos/
○ NARCAN® Nasal Spray
NARCAN ® is an FDA-approved ready-to-use nasal spray that contains 4 mg of naloxone HCl. NARCAN® is available without a prescription (over-the-counter).[16] The product comes with two spray devices per box. Visit https://www.narcan.com/ for a complete training video, and step-by-step instructions on how to administer NARCAN® in an opioid overdose emergency. Important safety and storage information is also provided.
○ Kloxxado™ Nasal Spray
Kloxxado™ is an FDA-approved ready-to-use nasal spray that contains 8 mg of naloxone HCl. Kloxxado™ is available by prescription only. The product comes with two spray devices per box. Visit https://kloxxado.com/ for more information on Kloxxado™, including administration, important safety information, storage information, and the full prescribing information.
How to Obtain Naloxone
New Jersey pharmacies are authorized to dispense naloxone without a prescription pursuant to a standing order from the New Jersey Department of Health.[17]
A limited number of pharmacies are providing naloxone for free, anonymously, without a prescription or appointment, to people 14 years or order. This initiative is called Naloxone365. A list of participating pharmacies in Naloxone 365 may be found at: stopoverdoses.nj.gov.
The NJ Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Attorney General’s Office and NJ Department of Health, offers direct shipments of free naloxone online to first responders (such as law enforcement and EMS), harm reduction agencies, county prosecutor’s offices, libraries, shelters, mobile outreach providers, re-entry programs, opioid treatment programs, DMHAS-contracted peer recovery centers, DMHAS-contracted family support programs, and DMHAS-contracted treatment programs.[18] Agencies who believe they meet the eligibility requirements can obtain more information by emailing: Naloxone@dhs.nj.gov.[19]
For more information on how and where to receive naloxone and trainings on naloxone, visit: