Chattanooga, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local rehab that recently released an article highlighting where to find Narcan in Chattanooga. With locations throughout Tennessee and Virginia, they are helping many find their recovery from opioid use disorders.
Narcan is absolutely vital to saving lives in the case of an opioid overdose.
“Narcan® is the brand name of the medication naloxone and is specifically utilized to reverse opioid overdoses. When opioids enter the body, they bind to opioid receptors in the brain and along the central nervous system. This causes side effects of euphoria, relaxation, and drowsiness.
When too many doses of opioids are in the body at once, an overdose can occur. The central nervous system slows to dangerous levels, which affects breathing and heart rate. As breathing stops, oxygen can no longer get to vital organs. Opioid overdoses can be fatal due to this.
Narcan® works by blocking the effects of opioids, restoring breathing, and stopping the overdose. It essentially detaches the opioids from the receptors and blocks them from reattaching. The brain is able to restore breathing and vital systems, saving the life of the person experiencing the overdose. Narcan® only works on opioid overdoses, it is ineffective against any other substance,” the article begins.
In Tennessee, all licensed medical professionals can prescribe naloxone when appropriate. Both individuals and entities, like nonprofit organizations or medical centers, can store and provide naloxone at no cost to the people receiving it. Civil immunity is granted to anyone who administers naloxone in good faith, meaning they cannot be held responsible if something goes wrong.
“The Hamilton County Coalition offers many resources for Chattanooga and surrounding community residents. The Nu-Start program has Narcan® available for free as well as training to administer it. The program also helps connect families to resources and advocates for opioid use disorder recovery. They offer an online form or can be reached at 423-208-3523 or 423-208-3473.
Outside of Chattanooga's Volunteer Comprehensive Treatment clinic is an old newspaper box stocked with free Narcan® kits. The box exists due to donations from Chattanooga Harm Reduction as a way to provide Narcan® to those in need. During clinic hours, kits are available inside for free. Since its opening in late September of 2024, the Narcan® newspaper box has distributed around 20 kits per day. This is a great way to get Narcan® discreetly and with no questions asked.
The Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) of Tennessee work to collect data and distribute Narcan® to areas in need. Throughout the 13 regions, 20 ROPS are in operation in the state. They are made up of paramedics, peer recovery specialists, nurses who are in recovery, and more. The goal is to connect the communities to Narcan® and reduce the stigma surrounding opioid use disorders. ROPS provides training on how to use Narcan® as well. Chattanooga is in Region 3S, with the following contact information:
Debra Clark Morgan, debra.clark@hccoalition.org, (423) 316-0283,” the article continues.
Keeping Narcan® on hand can save lives, and it is important to know where to find it in the community.
ReVIDA® Recovery specializes in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Their program includes outpatient therapy sessions combined with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone. They have seen firsthand the benefits MAT has in treating this life-threatening disorder, offering hope to those who have an opioid use disorder and want to find recovery.
To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.
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For more information about ReVIDA Recovery® Chattanooga, contact the company here:
ReVIDA Recovery® Chattanooga
Jennifer Cooke
(423) 243-3342
generalinfo@revidarecovery.com
5870 Highway 153, Suite 122
Hixson, TN 37343
