Naloxone is a generic, inexpensive pure opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid intoxication (overdose) by restoring respiration. Although it’s been deemed “safer than sugar water” and has been used by paramedics and emergency room practitioners for more than 40 years, it’s available only by prescription. However, across the United States more than 200 community-based harm reduction organizations run “take home naloxone” programs that allow opioid users–and their friends and family–to obtain naloxone, and the training on how to use it effectively in response to an OD, free of charge.