I’m a 25-year-old man from a small town, and I never thought I’d have a reason to talk about naloxone. But after what happened to me and my friend, I feel it’s something more people need to hear about. This medication doesn’t just save lives—it changes the way you see things, including yourself.
A Night I’ll Never Forget
It started as a regular Friday night. My best friend Alex and I were hanging out at a party. We knew some of the people there, but not all of them. A few hours in, Alex told me he’d taken something stronger than usual. He said it was a painkiller but didn’t seem worried. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then everything changed.
Alex started to look pale, and his breathing slowed to the point where it felt like he wasn’t breathing at all. His lips turned blue, and I realized he was overdosing. I froze. I didn’t know what to do—I’d never seen anything like that before. Someone at the party yelled, “Does anyone have Narcan?”
Naloxone to the Rescue
Luckily, one of the guests pulled out a nasal spray of naloxone. They quickly administered it to Alex while someone else called 112 (Italy’s emergency number). Within a couple of minutes, Alex started to stir. His breathing returned, and the color came back to his face. I couldn’t believe how fast it worked—it was like watching a miracle unfold right in front of me.
The paramedics arrived shortly after and checked Alex’s vitals. They gave him another dose of naloxone and said he would be okay.
A Life-Saving Lesson
After that night, I realized how little I knew about opioid overdoses and how close I came to losing someone I cared about. It also made me understand how important it is to have tools like naloxone readily available.
What struck me most was how simple it was to use. The nasal spray didn’t require any special training. If that guest hadn’t had naloxone on them, Alex might not be here today.
Changing My Perspective
Before this experience, I had the same mindset a lot of young people have: overdoses are something that happen to “other people.” But the truth is, opioids are everywhere, and it’s not always about addiction. Sometimes it’s experimenting at a party or using a prescribed medication in the wrong way. No one is immune to these risks, and naloxone provides a safety net.
Now, I carry naloxone with me everywhere I go. It’s a small act that can make a massive difference. I’ve also encouraged my friends to do the same. Knowing you have the power to save someone’s life in an emergency is an incredible feeling.
Spreading Awareness
I’ve started volunteering with a local harm reduction program to educate others about naloxone and how to use it. I’ve met so many people who were saved by this medication, and it’s inspired me to be more proactive about helping my community.
Final Thoughts
Naloxone isn’t just a remedy for opioid overdoses—it’s a symbol of hope and second chances. It gave Alex a second chance, and it gave me a new purpose. If you’re reading this, I urge you to learn about naloxone and consider carrying it. You never know when it might save a life—someone else’s or even your own.
—Luca, 25
