Naloxone saves lives: What Veterans should know
The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued an important reminder in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31: naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is available free to Veterans through VA. Since the VA began making naloxone available nationally, the medication has documented more than 7,700 overdose reversals, demonstrating its critical role in preventing opioid-related deaths among the Veteran community.
Naloxone is a medication specifically designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring normal breathing in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped. The medication works on overdoses from prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. Understanding how and when to use naloxone can mean the difference between life and death, particularly as opioid-related overdoses continue to affect communities across the country, including Veterans who may be managing chronic pain or struggling with substance use disorders.
As of July 2026, VA has dispensed more than 2.18 million naloxone prescriptions to over 820,000 Veterans. The VA recommends that any Veteran who uses opioids or nonprescribed stimulants should have naloxone on hand, as should family members and caregivers of Veterans who use these substances. This proactive approach recognizes that overdoses can happen even when medications are used as prescribed, and that having naloxone immediately available can save lives in emergency situations.
Veterans can obtain naloxone through several channels within the VA system. The medication is available as either a nasal spray or an injectable form, and Veterans should discuss with their VA provider which option is most appropriate for their situation. In an overdose emergency, the signs to watch for include slow or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, and pinpoint pupils. If someone shows these signs, calling 911 immediately while administering naloxone is the recommended course of action.
For disabled Veterans, this information carries particular weight because many manage chronic pain conditions related to their service-connected disabilities and may be prescribed opioid medications as part of their treatment plan. The intersection of pain management and the risk of opioid dependence creates a complex challenge that the VA addresses through both treatment options and harm reduction strategies like naloxone distribution. Having naloxone available represents an additional layer of safety for Veterans and their families, complementing the evidence-based substance use disorder treatments that VA offers.
Beyond naloxone distribution, the VA provides comprehensive resources for Veterans concerned about their own substance use or that of someone they care about. These include evidence-based treatments that have proven effective for most people struggling with substance use disorders. The VA's message emphasizes that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Veterans in crisis can access confidential support through the Veterans Crisis Line, where many responders are Veterans themselves who understand the unique challenges of military service.
Veterans who use opioids for any reason, whether prescribed or otherwise, should talk with their VA provider about obtaining naloxone and learning how to use it properly. Family members and caregivers should also familiarize themselves with the signs of overdose and how to administer naloxone, as they may be the first responders in an emergency situation. This simple step of having naloxone available and knowing how to use it could save a life.