Naloxone, often sold as Narcan, reverses an opioid overdose. This guide summarizes what Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) says it offers, together with what SAMHSA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) say about responding to an overdose. It is general education, not medical advice. Services and schedules change, so confirm with DCHHS before you go.
By the Exsura Team · October 17, 2026
SAMHSA says opioid overdose “is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency attention.” It says to call 911 immediately if a person shows any of these signs:
SAMHSA’s listed steps for a suspected opioid overdose are to call 911, begin CPR if the person has stopped breathing or if breathing is very weak (best performed by someone who has training), and treat the person with naloxone or nalmefene if available. It also says a person experiencing an overdose will not be able to reverse it themselves.
If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicide crisis, call or text 988. SAMHSA says “911 is the primary contact for emergencies involving medical emergencies, fire, crimes in progress, or other situations requiring immediate physical intervention” and that “988 is for emotional and behavioral health support with minimal law enforcement involvement unless there is an immediate physical safety threat.”
NIDA says naloxone “is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose” and can quickly restore normal breathing if breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. It says naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, is not a treatment for opioid use disorder, and will not reverse overdoses from other drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
NIDA says naloxone works in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes, but many opioids stay in the body longer, so a person can still be affected after it wears off, and some opioids may need more than one dose. For that reason, it says calling 911 is one of the most important steps. It says a person who has been given naloxone should be observed constantly until emergency care arrives and monitored for another 2 hours after the last dose.
NIDA also says a person who is physically dependent on opioids may have withdrawal symptoms within minutes of getting naloxone, which it describes as uncomfortable but usually not life threatening, and that the risk of death from an overdose is worse than the risk of a bad reaction to naloxone.
DCHHS says it offers overdose response and naloxone training for healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses, families and community members. Its listed topics include understanding opioids and overdose risks, recognizing the signs of an overdose, proper administration of naloxone, emergency response procedures and aftercare, and available community resources. DCHHS says it hosts monthly trainings at its office and that people can view the schedule on its page and sign up. Its page gives the address as 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207, and the telephone number as 214-819-2000.
For businesses and organizations, DCHHS says it is providing free naloxone within Dallas County after the provided training is completed, and names restaurants, bars, homeless shelters, libraries and recreational centers among the places it is offering the training. Organizations request training through a form on the DCHHS page.
DCHHS says “There are several locations that offer free naloxone around Dallas County” and links to a location finder on its page. It also says it has placed Public Health Vending Machines throughout the county that provide naloxone along with other health items, and that it works with businesses and community organizations to place naloxone and storage devices in public spaces. Check the DCHHS page for current locations.
For other sources, NIDA says many pharmacies carry naloxone, and that in some states you can get it from a pharmacist without a prescription. It also says naloxone can be obtained free from community-based distribution programs, local public health groups or local health departments. SAMHSA says naloxone was approved by the FDA as the first over-the-counter medication to prevent opioid overdose, and suggests checking with your healthcare provider, pharmacy, community-based distribution programs or local public health organizations on how to obtain it.
DCHHS describes an Overdose Response Team made up of public health nurses and peer support specialists who make home visits to people who have recently had a suspected overdose or are at increased risk. The services it lists include basic medical screenings, information on treatment options, connections to mental health and substance use programs, help with transportation to treatment, free naloxone with hands-on training, and CPR education. DCHHS says the team is available to any Dallas County resident at risk of an overdose, whether or not an overdose has already occurred, that referrals can come from anyone, including family members, and that the services are free. Questions and referrals go to ORT@dallascounty.org.
If you are looking for treatment, see how to find addiction treatment. Exsura also has an older naloxone guide.
DCHHS says it hosts monthly overdose prevention and naloxone administration trainings at its office and offers trainings to healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses, families and community members. Check its page for the current schedule.
DCHHS says several locations offer free naloxone around Dallas County and links to a location finder. It also says it placed Public Health Vending Machines that provide naloxone. Confirm locations on the DCHHS page before you go.
Yes. SAMHSA says to call 911 immediately in a suspected opioid overdose, and NIDA says people should still call 911 immediately because naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes while many opioids last longer.
No. NIDA says naloxone only reverses an overdose in people with opioids in their systems and will not reverse overdoses from other drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
Sources last checked October 17, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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