Updates and changes to this page
May 2026: This page has been rewritten, but there have not been any significant changes to the information provided.
What naloxone is and how it works
Naloxone is an emergency medicine that reverses overdoses caused by opioids and synthetic opioids. This includes heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, buprenorphine, fentanyl and nitazenes.
Opioids can slow and stop breathing. Naloxone reverses this effect and restores breathing. The effects last 20 to 40 minutes. It comes in two forms: nasal spray and intramuscular auto-injector (a pre-filled device that injects the drug).
Is naloxone safe to use?
Naloxone only works if opioids are present in the body, so it will not harm someone who has taken other substances. If you suspect an opioid overdose, use it.
If you are not sure whether opioids are involved, administer the naloxone, call 999 and follow the instructions you are given by the call handler.
Naloxone may cause withdrawal symptoms in someone dependent on opioids. This can feel unpleasant but is not life-threatening.
Why naloxone matters in your service
Drug poisoning causes almost two in five deaths of homeless people in England and Wales. And the risk is growing. Deaths involving nitazenes — a synthetic opioid increasingly found in UK drug supplies — rose from 52 in 2023 to 195 in 2024.
Making naloxone available in hostels, day centres and outreach services could save hundreds of lives.
How to get naloxone for your service
Homelessness services can keep a supply of naloxone to use if someone overdoses on site. Anyone can use available naloxone to save a life in an emergency.
To get a supply, contact your local drug treatment service. You should get the support of commissioners, discuss how much naloxone your staff, service users and volunteers will need. You do not have to pay for naloxone obtained this way.
Supplying naloxone for clients to take home
Homelessness services cannot currently supply naloxone directly to clients to carry or take home with them. However, there are calls to change medicine regulations to make this possible. A consultation is currently under way and this page will be updated if anything changes. (Last reviewed May 2026)
Getting naloxone training
Supplying naloxone is not enough on its own. Staff need to know how to recognise an opioid overdose and how to respond to one.
Training should cover:
- the risk factors for opioid overdose
- recognising the signs of an opioid overdose
- how and when to administer naloxone
- what to do afterwards
- supporting first aid skills
Free online training is available, including a film and downloadable materials. Your local drug treatment service may also offer group training sessions for staff teams.
Consider asking a member of staff to become a naloxone trainer so they can train the rest of your team.
Supporting clients to access naloxone
Clients who use opioids — or who spend time with people who do — can carry their own ‘take-home’ naloxone. They should speak to their local drug treatment service or GP to get a supply and training on how to use it.
When talking to clients about naloxone, frame it as a practical safety measure. Avoid language that implies judgement about someone's drug use.
Next steps
- Contact your local drug treatment service to discuss getting a naloxone supply
- Arrange training for your team
- Decide where you will store naloxone and make sure all staff know where it is
- Put a brief policy or protocol in place
- Consider how you will talk to clients about take-home naloxone
Naloxone resources
Naloxone website — naloxone.org.uk Information and guidance on naloxone for professionals and the public.
Free E-Learning: Naloxone Saves Lives — ap-elearning.org.uk A free online course covering how to recognise and respond to an opioid overdose.
Free naloxone training — nyoxid.com Free online training in how to use nasal naloxone, including a film and downloadable materials.
Supplying take-home naloxone without a prescription — gov.uk Official government guidance on who can supply naloxone and under what conditions.