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What is Narcan

Naloxone (name brand Narcan) is an FDA approved, over-the-counter, life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. There are no negative side effects of using Narcan on someone who is not overdosing (so when in doubt, use it!)

It is available at no cost to Missouri S&T students and employees by request. You can pick it up at the Student Well-Being Office in G1 Parker Hall, Student Involvement (228C Havener Center), or the front desks of any residential hall during normal business hours.
  • Breathing will be slow or absent
  • Person is not moving or is limp
  • Lips and nails are blue for lighter skin tones, or gray/ashen or purple for darker skin tones (Color drops out or changes)
  • Person may be choking
  • You can hear gurgling sounds or snoring
  • Can’t be woken up
  • Pupils are tiny
  • Can’t be woken up

Steps to provide Narcan

Peelback the package to remove the device.

Close-up of a Narcan nasal spray label with text indicating it's for use in the nose, Rx Only, and details about dosage and storage.

A hand is peeling back the seal of Narcan to open it.

PLACE the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the patient’s nose. 

A person's hands hold a white Narcan nasal spray device. The device is labeled

Close-up of a Narcan nasal spray device being administered to a person's nostril.

Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the patient’s nose.

a hand spraying Narcan showcasing the spray power.

Close-up of a Narcan nasal spray device being administered to a person's nostril.

What’s next after providing Narcan?

Narcan/Naloxone only lasts 30-90 minutes, after that the person could go back into overdose.

In an emergency situation, always call 911. University Police and Rolla Police officers carry Narcan at all times.

You are protected by the Missouri Good Samaritan Law. This law protects people who call 911 from arrests and prosecutions for possession of drugs or paraphernalia.

Tilt head back, pinch nose, and give 1 breath every 5-6 seconds.

Put them on their side, their hand supporting their head, one knee over the other to stop them from rolling onto their stomach and try to put a pillow/ backpack/etc. behind them so they don’t roll over onto their back. This prevents a person from choking if they vomit.

Illustration of a person lying on their side in a recovery position, with text labels indicating that a hand supports the head and a bent knee prevents rolling onto the stomach.

Additional resources

Narcan can cause withdrawal among those with physical dependence. These may manifest as:

● Anger/Irritability

● Vomiting

● Combative

It is important to remember that these reactions are medical. Give the person space, gently start talking to them, tell them what happened’ – ‘Hey my name is _______, you just overdosed I had to give you Narcan, I’m sorry you don’t feel good. Keep repeating and talking to them until they’re fully awake.

Under the Good Samaritan Law, the person who seeks medical help and the person experiencing the medical emergency shall not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted resulting from minor drug and alcohol violations, when acting in good faith.

In an emergency situation, always call 911. University Police and Rolla Police officers carry Narcan at all times.

Miners For Recovery - Explore your behaviors, reflect on ideas for change, avoid negative consequences related to drugs and alcohol, and experience the support of a safe group. This group is not an abstinence-only group.

573-341-4211 | wellbeing@mst.edu

Substance Use Intervention Program - The goal of the Substance Use Intervention Program (SUIP) at Missouri S&T is to motivate students to reduce risky behaviors associated with substance use of any kind. SUIP will provide you with a structured opportunity to assess your own risk, identify potential changes that could work for you, and help you reduce your risk for developing future problems.

573-341-4211 | wellbeing@mst.edu 

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings - Find and attend NA meetings in Rolla and surrounding areas.

South Central Missouri NA | Nationwide NA | 1-800-945-HOPE

American Addiction Centers - An online resource that helps individuals and families find addiction and mental health treatment options. Users can search for treatment providers based on location, condition, level of care, insurance, and treatment approach, while also accessing educational resources to better understand recovery and available support.

Website | 580-470-0686

Compass Health Network - A community-based healthcare organization that provides a wide range of medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment services. They offer accessible care and support for individuals and families, including counseling, crisis services, and recovery resources.

Website | 844-853-8937

NoMoDeaths - Find agencies and organizations across the state that provide narcan for free or get it mailed directly to you.

Website | Contact Form

MoSafeRx Training - This training can help you to recognize the signs of prescription drug misuse and learn how to provide resources to someone who needs them.

Take the training |573-341-4211 | wellbeing@mst.edu 

MACRO Collegiate Recovery Ally Training - This training was designed to help faculty, staff, and students support individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The training covers: (1) substance use disorders and recovery, (2) myths and stigmas about substance use disorders, (3) using person first, recovery friendly language, and (4) how to support someone seeking, or already in, recovery. The training takes about 30 minutes to complete, and is intended to be completed in one session.

Take the training | 573-341-4211 | wellbeing@mst.edu