Why Our Program Matters
Naloxone is a well-established, safe medication specifically designed to reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose within mere minutes. This medication is user-friendly and can be administered by anyone, even without medical training. By making Narcan readily accessible at no cost to the public, our goal is to actively combat the rising tide of overdose deaths in our community. We aim not only to save lives but also to empower individuals to respond swiftly and effectively in emergency situations, where every second truly matters. Together, we can foster a more informed and proactive society in the face of the opioid crisis.
Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere, to anyone whether they are struggling with addiction to an illicit substance or have a legitimate prescription. Having Narcan nearby and accessible can genuinely make the difference between life or death for yourself or someone you see.
At East Coast Recovery, we don’t just hand out a kit.
We teach people how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to respond effectively using narcan. We also help expand access so that neighborhoods around the Cohasset area can be safer and more informed.
How Our Program Work
Through a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, East Coast Recovery receives a supply of naloxone kits that are available to the public at no charge.
Anyone in the community can come to our facility or participate in one of our local outreach events and receive Narcan with no questions asked, no insurance requirements, and no ID required.
- This can be something you keep if you or a loved one has a prescription for an opioid as an emergency backup
- This can be something you add to a first aid kit so that you can respond to an emergency in public
- This can be something you keep in an office, in a classroom, or other public setting for preparation
For those who need it, our staff provides brief training with each kit including how to recognize signs of an overdose, how to administer narcan, and what the next steps are. We even take used or expired kits and replace them free of charge as supplies allow.
What’s Inside Each Kit
A typical Narcan kit includes:
- Two doses of Narcan® nasal spray
- Step-by-step instructions for use
- Overdose recognition and response guide
- Information on treatment and recovery resources
As part of our distribution program, East Coast Recovery provides free training for community members, individuals, and their families including the legal protection offered by Massachusetts’ Good Samaritan law and the safety of Narcan such that if it is accidentally administered to someone who is not suffering from an overdose, it won’t cause complications.
Outpatient Care: The Vital Next Step for Recovery
Narcan saves a life today, but it does not treat the underlying substance use disorder. That is why our training explains that once immediate physical safety is secured, it’s important to transition into an Partial Day program (Partial Day Treatment Program) or Day Treatment program (PHP) for rehab.
If you or a loved one has used narcan, we can not only replace a used kit, but help start the intake process for things like our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This outpatient program provides access to medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol, which safely eliminate daily cravings and withdrawal symptoms over the long term.
Our individual and group therapy, from there, teaches clients how to heal any untreated trauma, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. We offer holistic programs like mindfulness to encourage emotional regulation skills and trigger management.
With our full or partial day programs, clients can receive hours of professional medical and psychological support each week while still living at home, keeping their jobs, and rebuilding family relationships. And from there, continue to take advantage of our free narcan program as an emergency measure.
Contact our team today to learn more about our free Narcan program in Massachusetts.
Training & Education
Alongside naloxone distribution, East Coast Recovery offers free overdose response education for individuals, families, and community groups. Training sessions cover:
- Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose
- Administering Narcan correctly
- Providing rescue breathing and calling 911
- What to do after naloxone is given
Our staff can also coordinate group trainings for schools, workplaces, and local organizations upon request.
Legal Protection in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts’ Good Samaritan Law, anyone who administers naloxone in good faith or calls 911 during an overdose emergency is protected from criminal prosecution for drug possession.
The law also allows anyone to carry and use naloxone without a prescription under the state’s standing order. That means you can receive Narcan directly from East Coast Recovery without visiting a doctor or pharmacy first.
