Understanding Narcan and How Fast It Works with Camden NJ Halfway Houses for Fentanyl Overdoses

Camden, New Jersey, often referred to as the “Gateway to Philadelphia,” is a city steeped in history and undergoing a transformation. Situated just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Camden offers stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline. Nevertheless, within Camden’s dynamic landscape, it contends with various societal challenges, one of which is overdoses from opioids such as fentanyl, reflecting a broader urban issue.

In Camden County, New Jersey, the impact of fentanyl on opioid overdose rates has been devastating. In 2021, there were a total of 335 overdose deaths in Camden County. In the first half of 2022, there have already been 177 overdose deaths. Nearly two-thirds of the 100,000+ drug overdose deaths in the country have been linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug, often mixed with substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and even prescription opioids.

One potential solution to address this crisis is the expansion of halfway houses. These facilities provide temporary housing and support services for individuals recovering from addiction. New Jersey halfway houses can bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, offering a structured environment with reduced supervision compared to a rehab facility. This allows individuals to reintegrate into society while learning the uses and how fast Narcan works. While halfway houses in Camden are just one piece of the puzzle, they can play a crucial role in helping people with addiction from opioids like fentanyl rebuild their lives and avoid fatal overdoses.

Is there a drug problem in New Jersey?

New Jersey faces a serious challenge with drug addiction, particularly involving opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Over 40% of those entering treatment centers in the state grapple with heroin as their primary drug of abuse. This addiction translates to tragic consequences. The state has one of the highest overdose death rates in the country, and fentanyl and heroin is a major contributor to this statistic. There were a total of 2,914 confirmed overdoses in New Jersey, indicating a significant public health crisis. Fentanyl is overwhelmingly the most common substance involved in overdoses, with 2,266 confirmed cases. Heroin follows closely with 1,082 confirmed cases.

Data suggests that roughly 30% of treatment admissions involve alcohol as the primary substance. This highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to addiction treatment that addresses the various substances impacting residents. During the first half of 2021, New Jersey experienced a record number of overdose deaths, with 1,626 lives lost due to drug overdoses. If this trend continues, the total for 2021 could surpass the all-time high recorded in 2020. The rise in overdose deaths has been ongoing for more than a decade, with fluctuations over the years.

Beyond the immediate health risks, drug addiction has a ripple effect throughout communities.  It can strain families, contribute to crime, and place a burden on social services. To address this complex issue, New Jersey has implemented various initiatives. These include expanding access to treatment programs, distributing overdose reversal medication like Narcan, and implementing harm reduction strategies.

Drugs continue to be a problem in New Jersey, thankfully, online therapists in Camden are able to provide assistance. Online therapy holds significant promise in the fight against addiction. It increases accessibility. People in remote areas or with busy schedules often face challenges finding qualified professionals. Online therapy removes geographical barriers, making it easier for them to connect with therapists. This can also help reduce stigma. The online format may feel less intimidating for some individuals struggling with addiction. This can be a crucial first step towards seeking help.

How long does it take to overdose on fentanyl?

Fentanyl, a potent opioid, can be extremely dangerous due to its ability to suppress breathing. Fentanyl overdoses can happen very quickly. When injected, fentanyl produces effects within about 60 seconds, peaking in 2 to 5 minutes. The total effects last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. In fact, within seconds, a fentanyl overdose can lead to serious consequences.

It can cause a feeling of extreme happiness or elation, but at higher doses, it can also result in symptoms like nausea, drowsiness, sedation, and confusion. Because fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, individuals who take it at non-therapeutic doses may not realize they’ve taken too much until it’s too late. Key symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include suppressed breathing, which can lead to respiratory failure and can also cause breathing to stop, and even unconsciousness or death. In 2020, around 70,000 people died from a drug overdose involving opioids. Fentanyl is one of the main causes for the recent increase in overdose deaths in the US.

Fentanyl was mentioned in about 8,251 U.S. death certificates. The rate of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in New York City increased by 55% between 2015 and 2017. The rate of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl has more than tripled from 2016 to 2021 in the United States, rising from 5.7 deaths to 21.6 deaths per 100,000 people.

This synthetic opioid is often mixed with other illegal drugs unknowingly. People who take these drugs may inadvertently overdose on fentanyl without realizing it. The human body quickly develops tolerance to fentanyl, leading people to take larger doses to achieve the same effects. This increased dose can be lethal.

How fast does Narcan work?

Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is a medication that can be life-saving in the case of an opioid overdose. It works quickly, beginning to reverse the effects of the overdose within 2 to 3 minutes. This is because Narcan blocks opioid receptors in the brain, allowing the person to breathe again. Opioids slow down breathing, and in an overdose situation, breathing can become shallow or stop completely. Narcan acts as an antidote, attaching to these receptors and reversing the opioid’s effects.

However, it’s important to understand that Narcan is not a replacement for medical care. While Narcan can begin reversing the overdose, its effects typically last for 30 to 90 minutes. The opioids themselves may still be present in the person’s system, and they could stop breathing once the Narcan wears off. 

Narcan is an important tool in saving lives during an overdose, but it’s not the ultimate solution for opioid dependence. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking help from a drug treatment center in Camden is the best course of action. These centers offer medically supervised detox programs to help users safely manage withdrawal symptoms. They also provide therapy and counseling to address the underlying causes of addiction and equip individuals with the tools and strategies for long-term recovery.

Combating Fentanyl Overdoses with Narcan and the Help of Camden NJ Halfway Houses

Fentanyl overdoses present a significant public health risk. Fentanyl can be deadly even in small amounts, especially for those who are unaware they’ve consumed it. The danger arises from its frequent illicit production and mixing with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills. Individuals who use these substances may not realize they contain fentanyl, increasing their chances of overdose. New Jersey, including Camden, saw a 0.59% increase in fentanyl-related deaths between October 2020 and 2021. During that period, fentanyl-related deaths rose from 2,898 to 2,915. This represents a 64% increase compared to the 1,777 deaths reported five years earlier in 2016.

In addition to increasing access to treatment and harm reduction services, establishing halfway houses can provide crucial support for individuals recovering from fentanyl addiction. Rehabilitation programs provide a pathway to recovery from addiction, but navigating this journey requires support. Halfway houses help aid individuals dealing with fentanyl addiction by offering education on Narcan’s usage and how fast it works. These facilities furnish a structured living environment designed to facilitate the recovery process. New Jersey halfway houses extend various services, including substance-free accommodations, individual and group therapy sessions, life skills training, education on preventing relapse, and opportunities for further education. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, remember that seeking assistance from halfway houses in Camden is an available resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance and support today.

Resources:

[1] Fentanyl Is Fatal – Camden County

[2] Overdose deaths rising – NJ Spotlight News

[3] Common Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose – GoodRx Health