Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose — it can save a life within minutes. Naloxone is available free of charge in Bewbush from needle exchanges, many pharmacies, drug services, and some GP surgeries. Anyone who uses opioids, uses drugs of uncertain content, or lives with someone who uses opioids should have naloxone and know how to use it.
Showing 3 CQC-registered centres from Crawley (3 km away) — these centres may accept referrals.
Opioid overdose causes breathing to slow and stop — naloxone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and restoring breathing within minutes. Without naloxone, opioid overdoses are frequently fatal. With naloxone, most people make a full recovery if treated promptly.
In Bewbush and across the UK, naloxone is available free of charge without a prescription from NHS needle exchanges, many pharmacies, drug treatment services, and some GP surgeries. The Take Home Naloxone (THN) programme means family members, friends, and carers can collect naloxone for use in an emergency.
If someone has overdosed on opioids: call 999 immediately, give naloxone if available, perform rescue breathing if safe, place in recovery position. Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes — stay until emergency services arrive even if the person appears to recover.
Source: ONS Drug misuse deaths 2023 release. Data covers South East England — the NHS region serving Bewbush. Drug-related deaths are defined as deaths related to drug poisoning, drug misuse and dependence.