How to Get Free Narcan (Naloxone) in New Jersey

Naloxone — sold under the brand name Narcan — is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. In New Jersey, free naloxone is available at more than 650 pharmacies statewide — no prescription required for those 14 and older. If you live in Camden County or anywhere in South Jersey, Narcan may be available at a pharmacy near you today, at no cost.

What Is Naloxone (Narcan)?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist — it works by rapidly blocking opioid receptors in the brain, reversing the life-threatening respiratory depression that causes death in an opioid overdose. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 5 minutes of administration.

Naloxone has been used by emergency medical personnel for decades. It is now widely available to the public because of the opioid and fentanyl crisis. It is safe, has no effect on people who have not taken opioids, and cannot be misused to get high.

Narcan nasal spray is the most common form available at pharmacies. It requires no special training to use and comes with instructions.

How to Get Free Narcan in New Jersey

New Jersey's Naloxone365 program provides free naloxone to residents at participating pharmacies across the state — with no prescription required for those 14 years of age and older.

• Visit naloxone365.nj.gov to find the nearest participating pharmacy
• More than 650 pharmacies participate statewide
• No prescription needed (for those 14+)
• No ID required in most cases
• Free — no cost to the recipient

Additional sources of free naloxone in Camden County and South Jersey:

• Camden County OMHA (Office of Mental Health & Addiction): (856) 374-6361
• Cooper University Health Care Harm Reduction Center: coordinated local harm reduction services throughout Camden County
• NJ Harm Reduction Centers: distributed throughout the state; may also provide training and fentanyl/xylazine test strips
• Hope Harbor Addiction Center: (732) 523-5239 — we can connect you with naloxone resources in Cherry Hill and South Jersey

How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray

Narcan nasal spray comes with printed instructions. Here is a step-by-step guide:

How Many Doses Are Needed?

For fentanyl overdoses, 2 or more doses of Narcan may be required. Fentanyl is highly potent and can overwhelm a single dose of naloxone. If the first dose does not restore breathing within 2–3 minutes, give a second dose. If a third or fourth dose is available and there is still no response, continue until EMS arrives.

After Naloxone Works: What Happens Next

When naloxone reverses an overdose, the person will often wake up in a state of precipitated withdrawal — sudden, uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms. They may be agitated, confused, or in pain. They may be angry about being revived.

This is a critical moment. The person is physically vulnerable and emotionally distressed. Common responses include:

• Wanting to use again immediately to relieve withdrawal symptoms — this is extremely dangerous because their tolerance has dropped during the overdose, and using the same amount again can cause immediate re-overdose
• Leaving the scene before EMS arrives — stay with them and explain the danger
• Being open to help in a way they may not have been before

If the person is willing to accept help, this is one of the most powerful moments to offer treatment. Hope Harbor Addiction Center is available 24/7 at (732) 523-5239. Same-day assessments are available for those who are ready.

Related Resources

• Fentanyl Test Strips in New Jersey
• Overdose Prevention Resources South Jersey
• Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Cherry Hill, NJ
• Camden County Overdose Statistics