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ABOUT OPIOIDS

WHAT IS NALOXONE?

Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It removes opioids from the parts of the brain that cause the body to stop breathing. It is completely safe and is not addictive.

  • ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED.
    Thermometers, needles, and syringes Bloody or infectious waste and IV bags Personal Care Products Hydrogen Peroxide Aerosol Cans Full Inhalers Chemotherapy Pills—return to prescribing provider
  • ITEMS ACCEPTED.
    Prescription Medications Over-the-Counter Medications Pet Medications Vitamins and Supplements Medicated ointments, lotions, creams, and oils Liquid medication in leak-proof containers Homeopathic remedies Suppositories
  • Drug Dropbox Locations
    Akers Pharmacy (704) 865-3411 1595 East Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-7PM, Sat: 8:30AM-3PM Belmont Police Department (704) 825-3792 201 Chronicle Street, Belmont, NC 28012 Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM Cherryville Police Department (704) 435-1717 704 East Church Street Cherryville, NC 28021 24 hours a day CVS Pharmacy (704) 825-6929 6750 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont, NC 28012 24 hours a day CVS Pharmacy (704)-864-8749 1075 East Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon-Sun: 8AM-9PM CVS Pharmacy (704) 263-1416 442 South Highway 27 South, Stanley, NC 28164 Mon - Sun: 8AM - 10PM Dallas Police Department (704) 922-3131 207 West Church Street, Dallas, NC 28034 Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5PM Gaston County Police Department (704) 866-3320 420 West Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28052 Mon - Fri: 8AM - 8PM Gaston County Sheriff’s Office (704) 869-6800 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052 24 hours a day Gastonia Police Department (704) 866-6702 200 East Long Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052 24 hours a day Mt. Holly Police Department (704) 827-4343 400 East Central Avenue, Mt. Holly, NC 28120 Open 24 hours a day Stanley Police Department (704) 263-4778 230 South Main Street, Stanley, NC 28164 Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5PM TAS Drug (704) 435-5082 500 West Church Street, Cherryville, NC 28021 Mon - Fri: 9AM - 8PM, Sat: 9AM - 6PM, Sun: 2PM - 6PM Walgreens (704) 829-5681 6802 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont, NC 28012 Mon - Sun: 7AM - 11PM Walgreens (704) 810-9912 2465 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon - Sat: 8AM - 10PM, Sun: 10AM - 6PM Walgreens (704) 867-6957 2975 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon - Sun: 8AM - 10PM Walgreens (704) 922-0297 1000 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas, NC 28034 Mon - Sun: 8AM - 10PM
  • How does Naloxone work?
    People take naloxone through the nose or an injection. It usually takes 2 – 3 minutes to work and will last 20 – 40 minutes. Anyone can administer Naloxone to someone they think is experiencing an opioid overdose. You do not have to be a medical provider. Naloxone will not hurt someone if they get it by mistake. You are immune from civil or criminal liability if you believe someone is overdosing when you give them naloxone (you act in good faith). If someone took a lot of opioids, or strong opioids, they may need a second or third dose of naloxone. Remember, naloxone only reverses opioid overdoses. If the person has alcohol or other substances in their system, they will probably wake up with the effects of those substances.
  • How do I get Naloxone?
    North Carolina has a standing order for naloxone. This means that anyone can buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription. Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of naloxone. The cost depends on the form (injection or nasal delivery) and the brand (for example, Narcan). We recommend that families and friends of people with opioid use disorder keep naloxone at home, in the event their loved ones have an overdose.
  • Illegal Opioids
    Illegal opioids include heroin, fentanyl, and opium. It is against the law and dangerous to take opioids without a prescription. It is also against the law to take prescribed opioids for a reason other than why they were originally prescribed.
  • Prescription Opioids
    Opioids include prescribed medications to treat pain, such as: Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin) Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab) Pethidine (Demerol) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Fentanyl (Duragesic) Tylenol with Codeine Morphine Tramadol (Ultram) Drugs used to treat addiction to opioids, such as methadone (Dolophine) Buprenorphine (Suboxone & Subutex)
  • The Problem
    People can become addicted to opioids if they get them from a doctor with a prescription. They can also become addicted if they get them from someone who is not a doctor. It is against the law and dangerous to take opioids without a prescription. Sometimes people start taking illegal drugs when they cannot get prescription pills. Pills made on the street, heroin, and fentanyl are all examples of illegal drugs. Some opioids can be injected with a needle or syringe. Heroin and fentanyl are examples of injectable drugs. When people share needles and syringes, they can cause serious infections and can spread HIV and Hepatitis C. People who take opioids illegally are at high risk of an overdose. An overdose is when someone stops breathing because of opioids. Taking opioids with alcohol and other medicines also puts people at a higher risk of overdosing. These medications are called benzodiazepines and include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin.
  • What Are the Signs of Opioid Overdose?
    A person who uses opioids and has one or more of these symptoms may be overdosing: Passes out or becomes unconscious Breathes very slowly or stops breathing Cannot talk even when they are awake Has a very pale, grey (ashen), or damp face or skin Their fingernails and lips turn blue or purple Their body is limp Does not feel pain–they do not move when you pinch their ear or under their arm, or rub their breastbone, or rub the space between their nose and upper lip. Has a heartbeat or pulse that is slow, not regular, or is hard to feel Makes choking sounds, or a gurgling noise Throws up
  • Prescription Opioids
    Opioids include prescribed medications to treat pain, such as: Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin) Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab) Pethidine (Demerol) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Fentanyl (Duragesic) Tylenol with Codeine Morphine Tramadol (Ultram) Drugs used to treat addiction to opioids, such as methadone (Dolophine) Buprenorphine (Suboxone & Subutex)
  • What is Naloxone?
    Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It removes opioids from the parts of the brain that cause the body to stop breathing. It is completely safe and is not addictive.
  • You cannot get in trouble if you call 911*
    The person who is overdosing, and the person helping them, cannot get in trouble for underage drinking, having small amounts of drugs, or drug supplies.
  • You will not get in trouble even if you are arrested.*
    The person who is overdosing, and the person helping them, cannot get in trouble for parole, probation, or a post-release violation. Even if they are arrested, they will not get in trouble.
  • Women
    1058 Paramount Circle Gastonia, NC 980-888-0159 ​ 330 Stonehaven Lane Gastonia, NC 704-396-6798
  • Men
    315 East Third Avenue Gastonia, NC 785-783-3983 ​ 330 Stonehaven Lane Gastonia, NC 704-396-6798

WHAT IS THE GOOD SAMARITAN/ NALOXONE ACCESS LAW?

Under this law, you cannot get in trouble if you or someone else is having an overdose.

 

You will not get in trouble for calling 911*.

 

You will not get in trouble even if you are arrested*

  • ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED.
    Thermometers, needles, and syringes Bloody or infectious waste and IV bags Personal Care Products Hydrogen Peroxide Aerosol Cans Full Inhalers Chemotherapy Pills—return to prescribing provider
  • ITEMS ACCEPTED.
    Prescription Medications Over-the-Counter Medications Pet Medications Vitamins and Supplements Medicated ointments, lotions, creams, and oils Liquid medication in leak-proof containers Homeopathic remedies Suppositories
  • Drug Dropbox Locations
    Akers Pharmacy (704) 865-3411 1595 East Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-7PM, Sat: 8:30AM-3PM Belmont Police Department (704) 825-3792 201 Chronicle Street, Belmont, NC 28012 Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM Cherryville Police Department (704) 435-1717 704 East Church Street Cherryville, NC 28021 24 hours a day CVS Pharmacy (704) 825-6929 6750 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont, NC 28012 24 hours a day CVS Pharmacy (704)-864-8749 1075 East Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon-Sun: 8AM-9PM CVS Pharmacy (704) 263-1416 442 South Highway 27 South, Stanley, NC 28164 Mon - Sun: 8AM - 10PM Dallas Police Department (704) 922-3131 207 West Church Street, Dallas, NC 28034 Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5PM Gaston County Police Department (704) 866-3320 420 West Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28052 Mon - Fri: 8AM - 8PM Gaston County Sheriff’s Office (704) 869-6800 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052 24 hours a day Gastonia Police Department (704) 866-6702 200 East Long Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052 24 hours a day Mt. Holly Police Department (704) 827-4343 400 East Central Avenue, Mt. Holly, NC 28120 Open 24 hours a day Stanley Police Department (704) 263-4778 230 South Main Street, Stanley, NC 28164 Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5PM TAS Drug (704) 435-5082 500 West Church Street, Cherryville, NC 28021 Mon - Fri: 9AM - 8PM, Sat: 9AM - 6PM, Sun: 2PM - 6PM Walgreens (704) 829-5681 6802 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont, NC 28012 Mon - Sun: 7AM - 11PM Walgreens (704) 810-9912 2465 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon - Sat: 8AM - 10PM, Sun: 10AM - 6PM Walgreens (704) 867-6957 2975 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 Mon - Sun: 8AM - 10PM Walgreens (704) 922-0297 1000 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas, NC 28034 Mon - Sun: 8AM - 10PM
  • How does Naloxone work?
    People take naloxone through the nose or an injection. It usually takes 2 – 3 minutes to work and will last 20 – 40 minutes. Anyone can administer Naloxone to someone they think is experiencing an opioid overdose. You do not have to be a medical provider. Naloxone will not hurt someone if they get it by mistake. You are immune from civil or criminal liability if you believe someone is overdosing when you give them naloxone (you act in good faith). If someone took a lot of opioids, or strong opioids, they may need a second or third dose of naloxone. Remember, naloxone only reverses opioid overdoses. If the person has alcohol or other substances in their system, they will probably wake up with the effects of those substances.
  • How do I get Naloxone?
    North Carolina has a standing order for naloxone. This means that anyone can buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription. Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of naloxone. The cost depends on the form (injection or nasal delivery) and the brand (for example, Narcan). We recommend that families and friends of people with opioid use disorder keep naloxone at home, in the event their loved ones have an overdose.
  • Illegal Opioids
    Illegal opioids include heroin, fentanyl, and opium. It is against the law and dangerous to take opioids without a prescription. It is also against the law to take prescribed opioids for a reason other than why they were originally prescribed.
  • Prescription Opioids
    Opioids include prescribed medications to treat pain, such as: Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin) Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab) Pethidine (Demerol) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Fentanyl (Duragesic) Tylenol with Codeine Morphine Tramadol (Ultram) Drugs used to treat addiction to opioids, such as methadone (Dolophine) Buprenorphine (Suboxone & Subutex)
  • The Problem
    People can become addicted to opioids if they get them from a doctor with a prescription. They can also become addicted if they get them from someone who is not a doctor. It is against the law and dangerous to take opioids without a prescription. Sometimes people start taking illegal drugs when they cannot get prescription pills. Pills made on the street, heroin, and fentanyl are all examples of illegal drugs. Some opioids can be injected with a needle or syringe. Heroin and fentanyl are examples of injectable drugs. When people share needles and syringes, they can cause serious infections and can spread HIV and Hepatitis C. People who take opioids illegally are at high risk of an overdose. An overdose is when someone stops breathing because of opioids. Taking opioids with alcohol and other medicines also puts people at a higher risk of overdosing. These medications are called benzodiazepines and include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin.
  • What Are the Signs of Opioid Overdose?
    A person who uses opioids and has one or more of these symptoms may be overdosing: Passes out or becomes unconscious Breathes very slowly or stops breathing Cannot talk even when they are awake Has a very pale, grey (ashen), or damp face or skin Their fingernails and lips turn blue or purple Their body is limp Does not feel pain–they do not move when you pinch their ear or under their arm, or rub their breastbone, or rub the space between their nose and upper lip. Has a heartbeat or pulse that is slow, not regular, or is hard to feel Makes choking sounds, or a gurgling noise Throws up
  • Prescription Opioids
    Opioids include prescribed medications to treat pain, such as: Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin) Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab) Pethidine (Demerol) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Fentanyl (Duragesic) Tylenol with Codeine Morphine Tramadol (Ultram) Drugs used to treat addiction to opioids, such as methadone (Dolophine) Buprenorphine (Suboxone & Subutex)
  • What is Naloxone?
    Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It removes opioids from the parts of the brain that cause the body to stop breathing. It is completely safe and is not addictive.
  • You cannot get in trouble if you call 911*
    The person who is overdosing, and the person helping them, cannot get in trouble for underage drinking, having small amounts of drugs, or drug supplies.
  • You will not get in trouble even if you are arrested.*
    The person who is overdosing, and the person helping them, cannot get in trouble for parole, probation, or a post-release violation. Even if they are arrested, they will not get in trouble.
  • Women
    1058 Paramount Circle Gastonia, NC 980-888-0159 ​ 330 Stonehaven Lane Gastonia, NC 704-396-6798
  • Men
    315 East Third Avenue Gastonia, NC 785-783-3983 ​ 330 Stonehaven Lane Gastonia, NC 704-396-6798
*The person who calls 911 must give their name to 911.
 

If they do not give their name to 911, they will not get the law’s protections. The Good Samaritan / Naloxone Access Law is only in North Carolina.  

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