When it comes to overdose emergencies, Narcan is a household name — but does Narcan work on alcohol? The short answer is no. While Narcan can save lives during an opioid overdose, it won’t reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning. Understanding the difference is critical. In this article, we’ll break down how Narcan works, why it doesn’t help with alcohol overdoses, and what to do if someone is facing alcohol poisoning.
What Is Narcan?
Narcan is a well-known brand of naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It attaches to opioid receptors, reversing and blocking the effects of opioids. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.
There are two forms of Narcan:
- Nasal spray (like Narcan, which is over-the-counter in many places now)
- Injectable versions (intramuscular or intravenous)
Narcan is a short-acting medication, meaning it may wear off before the opioids do, so emergency medical help is still needed after giving naloxone.
Due to the ongoing opioid crisis, police and first responders often carry Narcan on their persons. However, while it can work for opioids, Narcan does not work on alcohol or other substances, meaning when a person is overdosing on multiple drugs, resuscitation can be complicated.
Does Narcan Work on Alcohol?
Narcan is specifically designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. Alcohol affects the body differently — it primarily depresses the central nervous system through other mechanisms, not opioid receptors.
In cases of alcohol poisoning, Narcan will not reverse the effects or restore breathing. Emergency medical treatment for alcohol poisoning focuses on supportive care like airway management, oxygen, and fluids. If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call emergency services immediately — using Narcan won’t help, but timely medical attention can save a life.
What Drug Overdoses Can Narcan Help With?
Narcan was designed to reverse opioid overdoses. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, quickly restoring normal breathing and consciousness in many cases of opioid overdose.
Here are some of the specific drugs Narcan can help counteract:
Heroin
Heroin is an illegal opioid that rapidly depresses the central nervous system. Narcan can temporarily reverse heroin’s effects, restoring breathing and alertness. However, medical attention is still critical, as the effects of heroin can outlast the duration of naloxone.
Morphine
Morphine is a powerful prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. In cases of morphine overdose, Narcan can block its effects and help revive the person. Like with all opioids, follow-up medical care is essential.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a commonly prescribed pain reliever found in medications like OxyContin and Percocet. If too much is taken, breathing can slow dangerously. Narcan can reverse an oxycodone overdose when administered promptly.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone, found in medications like Vicodin and Norco, is another opioid painkiller. Narcan is effective in reversing the life-threatening effects of hydrocodone overdose, helping to restore normal breathing.
Why Are Opioids Dangerous?
Opioids are powerful pain-relieving medications, but they come with serious risks — especially when misused. These drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, reducing pain and creating feelings of euphoria. While effective for short-term pain management, opioids are highly addictive because of how they affect the brain’s reward system.
One of the biggest dangers is respiratory depression. In high doses, opioids can slow breathing to a dangerously low rate or even stop it entirely, leading to brain damage or death. This risk increases when opioids are combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, which also suppress breathing.
Another major concern is tolerance and dependence. Over time, the body adapts to opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This cycle can quickly lead to physical dependence and, eventually, opioid addiction. When someone becomes dependent, stopping the drug can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, making it even harder to quit. Finding an opioid treatment center can help.
On top of that, the rise of illicit opioids like fentanyl — which is extremely potent and often mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge — has made overdoses more common and more deadly. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be fatal.
Because opioids are both widely prescribed and widely available on the illegal market, they have become a major public health crisis. Misuse of these drugs can quickly spiral into life-threatening situations, which is why awareness, early intervention, and emergency treatments like Narcan are so important.
Cardiovascular Disease: A Lesser-Known Danger
The risk of fatal opioid overdose is well known, but the risks by no means end there. A recent study from Yale School of Medicine found that opioid abuse may also damage your heart. Analyzing 50,000 patients, it found that those who were prescribed opioids were significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and that there was a linear relationship between opioid dosage and level of risk.
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What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Abuse?
While alcohol is legal and socially accepted in many places, abusing it can lead to serious short- and long-term health risks. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain function and impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. In the short term, heavy drinking increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and alcohol poisoning — which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to serious health problems, including liver disease (such as fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis), heart problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of various cancers, especially of the liver, mouth, throat, and esophagus. Chronic drinking can also weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
On the mental health side, alcohol abuse is linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline over time. It can also fuel dependency and addiction, known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), which makes it difficult to control drinking even when it causes harm to health, relationships, or responsibilities.
What To Do When Someone Is Overdosing
Whether it’s an opioid overdose or alcohol poisoning, acting quickly and calmly can make the difference between life and death. Both situations require immediate attention to keep the person safe until emergency services arrive.
Here’s what you should do:
Use Narcan for an Opioid Overdose
If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer Narcan as soon as possible. If using the nasal spray, insert the nozzle into one nostril and firmly press the plunger. If using an injectable form, follow the instructions provided with the medication.
Narcan typically works within a few minutes. If the person does not respond after 2–3 minutes, give a second dose. Be sure to stay with the person, even if they regain consciousness, as the effects of Narcan may wear off before the opioids are fully out of their system.
Call Emergency Services
No matter the situation, calling 911 is essential. Professional medical help is critical in both opioid overdoses and alcohol poisoning cases. Give the dispatcher clear information about the person’s condition and follow their instructions while waiting for help to arrive.
Check for a Pulse and Monitor Breathing
While you wait for emergency services, check if the person has a pulse and is breathing. If they are not breathing or you cannot detect a pulse, begin CPR immediately if you’re trained to do so. If they are breathing, continue to monitor their condition closely.
Keep Their Airway Clear
Make sure the person’s airway stays open and free of obstructions. If they are unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side, with their mouth facing downward) to prevent choking, especially if they vomit. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, and avoid trying to force them awake.
What to Do in Case of Alcohol Poisoning
Unlike an opioid overdose, Narcan does not work for alcohol poisoning, so supportive care is essential until help arrives.
Here’s what you do:
- Call 911 Immediately — Like with opioid overdoses, time is of the essence here. Immediately call 911 and let the dispatcher know that you suspect alcohol poisoning. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
- Keep the Person Awake — If they are conscious, help them stay awake and in an upright position to reduce the risk of choking.
- If Unconscious, Place Them in the Recovery Position — If you can’t keep them awake, roll them onto their side (preferably left) and tilt their head slightly back. This helps keep the airway clear and prevents choking if they vomit. Position their lower arm in front of their body so it acts as a pillow for their head. Then bend their knee, placing it over the body to stabilize their position, preventing them from moving. Finally, make sure their mouth faces downward – this allows any vomit or fluids to drain out, so they don’t asphyxiate.
- Do Not Leave Them Alone — Monitor their breathing and responsiveness. If their breathing slows or they become unresponsive, be prepared to begin CPR if necessary.
- Do Not Try to “Sober Them Up” — Cold showers, coffee, walking around: these methods do not work and could make things worse.
Until professional medical help arrives, your role is to keep the person safe, supported, and monitored. Acting quickly and responsibly can save a life.
Finding Professional Help for Substance Abuse
While Narcan is a life-saving tool in the fight against opioid overdoses, it’s important to remember that it does not work on alcohol poisoning. If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use or opioid addiction, getting the right help is critical. At Footprints to Recovery, we provide compassionate, comprehensive treatment for all types of substance abuse, including alcohol and opioids. From medically supervised detox to personalized therapy and long-term recovery support, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Recovery is possible — and it starts with reaching out. Contact Footprints to Recovery today and take the first step toward healing.
