New York Workplaces Must Now Carry Narcan in First Aid Kits

New York employers are about to add something to many workplace first aid kits. Starting December 13 most businesses in the state will have to keep naloxone, known under the brand name Narcan, available at work.

The change gives workers another way to respond when someone overdoses. But naloxone only reverses an opioid overdose. It doesn’t treat opioid dependence or replace medical detox and addiction treatment.

What the New Rule Requires

New York’s new requirement applies to most private employers. The state has also released proposed rules explaining how employers should meet the requirement.

Those rules cover things such as where the medication should be stored and who should know where to find it. An overdose doesn’t only happen in a hospital or doctor’s office.

It can happen at home, in a car and at work. Having naloxone in a first aid cabinet gives someone nearby a chance to respond while emergency help is on the way.

Why Detox Still Matters

Someone surviving an overdose because Narcan was available is still dealing with the reason the overdose happened.

Opioid dependence can lead to withdrawal when someone stops using. Symptoms can include muscle aches insomnia vomiting diarrhea and strong cravings.

Withdrawal from opioids is usually not life-threatening on its own. It can still be difficult enough that returning to opioid use becomes a serious risk.

That’s where medical detox can help. A medical detox program can monitor withdrawal and use medications to make the process safer and more manageable.

Medications such as buprenorphine can also help people move from detox into ongoing treatment. Detox isn’t the same thing as addiction treatment. It can be the first step toward it.

Withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines is different. In some cases it can become life-threatening and medical supervision may be necessary.

From an Overdose to Treatment

A naloxone reversal can create an opportunity to get someone into treatment. The next step might be a detox program followed by medication-assisted treatment counseling or residential rehab.

Employers can do more than keep the medication on a shelf. Training workers to recognize an overdose and use naloxone can make it easier to respond when something happens. Providing information about local treatment resources can help too.

Finding Medical Detox in New York

If you or someone you know is dependent on opioids there are detox programs across New York that provide medically supervised withdrawal.

Detox.com lists detox centers in New York and information about programs that can help people move from withdrawal into ongoing care. Call 800-996-6135Sponsored to find medically supervised detox programs in New York.