I have a friend who’s a volunteer EMT and has basically the same story. Lots of repeat customers, and some people get all pissy after Narcan because it killed their high.
In New York City, they hand out Narcan for free. They also provide free training for people just in case you happen to see someone overdosing, which isn’t terrifically uncommon.
I used to carry around a dose of Narcan for just such a situation. Once, about four or five years ago I think, I saw some guy ODing on the A train platform. Hit him with the Narcan.
Since it’s a nasal spray, I’m all up in his face when he suddenly (and violently) wakes up and pukes on me. I was
on my way to work… after about 2 seconds, he looks right at me and sucker punches me. Just laid me out on the platform.
Some big dude who was standing close by drags me away from the guy as he starts screaming at me about ruining the best high if his life (yeah, whatever asshole) before running off.
Thing is, I used to be a junkie myself. I’ve been off that shit for 21 years now, but I still very much remember. I get it. I feel somewhat obligated, as a service, to do what I can to help when I can. Was that guy shitty and an asshole? Absolutely because I can. Am I glad I probably saved his life? You bet. Am I gonna keep doing this? Absolutely. Why? Because it makes the world a better place, and the benefit far out weighs the cost.
Addiction isn’t a “weakness“. It’s a legitimate illness, and this country vilifies it rather than treating it as the medical condition that it is. Obviously, money is the motivation here. Or, rather, I should say: profit.
The world could deal with more kindness. If I can put more kindness in the world without it really being that big of a deal for me? Why shouldn’t I?
My dude, as a random Internet stranger, let me just say that the world needs more people like yourself. Thank you for being you and contributing to the world what you do.
I have a friend who’s a volunteer EMT and has basically the same story. Lots of repeat customers, and some people get all pissy after Narcan because it killed their high.
In New York City, they hand out Narcan for free. They also provide free training for people just in case you happen to see someone overdosing, which isn’t terrifically uncommon.
I used to carry around a dose of Narcan for just such a situation. Once, about four or five years ago I think, I saw some guy ODing on the A train platform. Hit him with the Narcan.
Since it’s a nasal spray, I’m all up in his face when he suddenly (and violently) wakes up and pukes on me. I was on my way to work… after about 2 seconds, he looks right at me and sucker punches me. Just laid me out on the platform.
Some big dude who was standing close by drags me away from the guy as he starts screaming at me about ruining the best high if his life (yeah, whatever asshole) before running off.
Thing is, I used to be a junkie myself. I’ve been off that shit for 21 years now, but I still very much remember. I get it. I feel somewhat obligated, as a service, to do what I can to help when I can. Was that guy shitty and an asshole? Absolutely because I can. Am I glad I probably saved his life? You bet. Am I gonna keep doing this? Absolutely. Why? Because it makes the world a better place, and the benefit far out weighs the cost.
Addiction isn’t a “weakness“. It’s a legitimate illness, and this country vilifies it rather than treating it as the medical condition that it is. Obviously, money is the motivation here. Or, rather, I should say: profit.
The world could deal with more kindness. If I can put more kindness in the world without it really being that big of a deal for me? Why shouldn’t I?
Edit: spelling and grammar
My dude, as a random Internet stranger, let me just say that the world needs more people like yourself. Thank you for being you and contributing to the world what you do.
Naloxone (NYC HEALTH)
(311 will also help obtaining naloxone kits)