Naloxone Guide for Families
If someone you love has opioid use disorder, carrying naloxone can help you act quickly while emergency help is on the way. At BAART Programs, you’ll receive compassionate education, outpatient MAT, and support that helps you and your family understand safer steps forward.
- CARF-Accredited Care
- Outpatient MAT
- Personalized Support
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an emergency medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It blocks opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain and body, which may help restore breathing until medical help arrives.
What Is Naloxone Used For?
Naloxone is used when an opioid overdose is known or suspected. It can help restore breathing when opioids, such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, or codeine, slow or stop normal breathing.
Signs of a Possible Opioid Overdose
Give naloxone and call 911 right away if someone will not wake up, has slow or stopped breathing, has blue or gray lips, makes choking sounds, feels limp, or has very small pupils.
How Does Naloxone Work?
Naloxone works quickly, but it can wear off before some opioids leave the body. Stay with the person, give another dose if symptoms return, and follow 911 guidance until help arrives.
Naloxone Nasal Spray and Other Administration Routes
Naloxone nasal spray is a common option for families because it is simple to use in an emergency. Naloxone may also be given by injection or IV by trained medical professionals.
Naloxone Side Effects
Naloxone can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms in someone who has opioids in their system. These symptoms can feel uncomfortable, but overdose is life-threatening.
Possible side effects of naloxone may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Fast heartbeat
- Irritability
- Body aches
- Restlessness
How Families Can Prepare
Keeping naloxone nearby can help you respond faster in an emergency. A simple safety plan also helps family members know what to do before stress or fear takes over.
Helpful steps include:
opioid use disorder
Medication-Assisted Treatment at BAART Programs
Naloxone is an emergency tool, not ongoing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). At BAART Programs, you’ll receive outpatient medication-assisted treatment that supports long-term stability.
Your care may include:
- Methadone or buprenorphine treatment
- Required individual counseling
- Relapse-prevention education
- Case management
- Pregnancy coordination
- Community referrals
Treatment is outpatient, so you can keep working, caring for family, and building daily stability. Guest medication services when traveling
Why Choose BAART Programs?
Compassionate, Personalized MAT
Each person gets a tailored plan combining medication, counseling, and support.
Flexible Outpatient Treatment
Receive treatment while continuing work, family life, and daily responsibilities.
CARF-Accredited
Quality Care
All locations meet high standards for safe, ethical, evidence-based treatment.
Whole-Person Recovery Services
Access counseling, case management, and resources for long-term stability.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Veterans may also receive care through the VA Community Care Network (Optum and TriWest) with prior authorization.
Accredited and Trusted Care
All BAART centers are federally certified, state licensed, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This recognition reflects our dedication to quality care, continuous improvement, and the people we serve.
Testimonials and Success Stories
“Hi my name is Nancy, I am Sixty year old lady. I want to thank the BAART PROGRAM So Very Much !!! Mainly because All of the staff were Very professional sweet people. That place is very clean. There is absolutely no judgement of people at BAART !!! Any race or sexual preference ,or any faith is Welcome here. In fact one gentleman goes to my church , Flatirons Church . This Church is Amazing as far as everybody is Welcome and you learn truly how much Jesus loves you. Thanks for All your help BAART. You are the best !!!!”
-Nancy Lewis
Verified Patient
“It sure is a relief that there are people in this world who actually understand addiction and the mechanisms that fuel it. My wife and I owe Trish, Tj, Ms. Sharon, Becky, and everyone there our lives! They have all gone to bat for us to help us get our child home. And for once it’s looking like we will have him home soon! We couldn’t have made a better decision than to walk through that door and ask for help. These people are not only great at what they do… they are genuinely good people, with integrity, and are really there to actually help with the recovery process. I hate to think where our lives would be if we never walked into BAART That day. We thank all of you guys for what you do! You guys don’t receive enough credit!!! Thank you”
-Hamster Cottage
Verified Patient
“This is an amazing clinic ran by compassionate, caring and goal oriented people. There is no judgment here and clients are not looked down upon. It is also a harm reduction clinic. I highly recommend this place and can never thank Baart and the loving staff they employ enough!”
-Mark Popejoy
Verified Patient
This is by far the best clinic I have entered. I have been to 3 clinics total now and this is by far the best. Definitely the most professional and caring group of staff I have encountered. They truly care about our sobriety and well being. They are truly here to help us. Thank you so much Bart clinic for letting my recovery be apart of yall
-Michael Bannick
Verified Patient
Start Your Recovery With BAART Programs
You do not have to manage opioid use disorder alone. With medication-assisted treatment and ongoing support, you can build a more stable, healthy future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone give naloxone?
Yes. Naloxone nasal spray is made so people without medical training can use it in an emergency. Always call 911 after giving it.
Is naloxone available over the counter?
Yes. Some naloxone nasal spray products are available over the counter. You may find them at pharmacies, online, or through local health programs.
How long does naloxone last?
Naloxone works quickly, but its effects can wear off. Some opioids last longer than naloxone, so overdose symptoms can return.
Is naloxone the same as treatment?
No. Naloxone is an emergency medication. Treatment for opioid use disorder may include medication-assisted treatment, counseling, trauma-informed care, and ongoing support.