Las Vegas Rehab Center Will Host Free Narcan Training Event

The number of opioid-related overdose deaths continues to rise across the country. In Southern Nevada, the percentage of overdose deaths resulting from fentanyl grew by 257% from 2019 to 2020.¹ That’s why implementing harm-reduction strategies is so important.  Right before International Overdose Awareness Day, Desert Hope Treatment Center’s medical staff will host a virtual training event to demonstrate how to safely administer Narcan—the opioid overdose reversal drug.

This virtual training, offered by the staff at our Las Vegas rehab facility, will stream live on Tuesday, August 30th from 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m on our Facebook page.

What Is Narcan (Naloxone)?

Narcan, which is the brand name for the generic drug naloxone, is a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save someone’s life. Naloxone is available as a nasal spray (Narcan) and an autoinjector.

When a person takes more opioids than their body can handle, they may overdose, which may result in slowed/stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, and death.

Naloxone attaches to the opioid receptors in the body, and blocks and reverses the effects of opioids. The drug works to reverse overdoses from such opioids as:

• Fentanyl.
• Heroin.
• Oxycontin (oxycodone).
• Codeine.
• Vicodin (hydrocodone).
• Morphine.

Opioid Overdoses in Nevada

Las Vegas may be known for its nightlife, casinos, and cocktails around every corner, but alcohol isn’t the deadliest problem in “Sin City.” Southern Nevada experienced a 68% increase in accidental drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020 and opioids were listed as the cause of death in two-thirds of drug overdose deaths in 2020. In 2020, more than 77% of those who died from an overdose in Southern Nevada had a non-alcohol-related substance use problem.¹

Narcan Training Saves Lives

Counterfeit pills and drugs, sold illegally on the street, containing fentanyl are the cause of many overdose deaths. Drug dealers cut heroin or cocaine with fentanyl or sell fentanyl in place of other illicit narcotics and pills without the user’s knowledge.

Having access to Narcan, along with training to use it, can be an effective way to fight the opioid overdose epidemic. Although the nasal spray is easy-to-use it can be intimidating if someone is experiencing an overdose.  Count on the team at Desert Hope to walk you through how to spot an overdose, when and how to seek help, and the steps to administer Narcan in the upcoming virtual training.

If you are struggling with addiction and looking for rehab in Las Vegas, Desert Hope Treatment Center can help kickstart your recovery.