Pencils, notebooks, and… Narcan?
This year, parents of incoming college freshmen are adding a potentially life-saving nasal spray to their back-to-school checklists.
Students today seem to appreciate a realistic view of campus life. For instance, one student from North Carolina, majoring in psychology, shared an experience where she had to use Narcan on someone who had overdosed at a party. “It literally saves lives,” she remarked.
Narcan, or naloxone, is an opioid antagonist that counteracts the effects of drugs like fentanyl.
This topic sparks considerable discussion among parents getting ready to send their kids off to school.
From mom groups on Facebook to trending TikTok clips, the so-called “college survival kit” featuring Narcan has gained attention.
Jamie Green, 42, and her daughter Sofia, 18, recently garnered a lot of buzz online after presenting a list of unconventional essentials for Sofia’s first semester at Boise State.
While many viewers on digital platforms were supportive, others criticized the list as “sad” and “embarrassing.” One comment read, “Damn, please teach your daughters common sense, resilience, willpower.”
Some people seem eager to dismiss what they see as overprotective parenting, essentially giving a nod to teens venturing out into the world.
However, adolescent psychologist Yamaris Diaz noted that these cautious parents aren’t actually limiting their children’s freedom. Instead, they’re prepping them for real-life challenges.
As Diaz explained, “Millennials and Gen Xers are equipping Gen Z to tackle tough situations.” They’re sending a message that isn’t about encouraging reckless behavior but about preparing for potential challenges.
Statistics suggest that this approach might be necessary. In 2023, 50,000 teens admitted to misusing synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Reports from the Department of Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services indicated a spike in teen fentanyl use, primarily because many young people unwittingly consume it.
According to the DEA, fentanyl is categorized as a Schedule I drug and is a leading cause of death among adults aged 18 to 45 in the U.S.
While some students could easily become just another statistic, those familiar with on-campus harm reduction strategies seem to be more prepared.
One student recalled an incident involving an overdose, recognizing the critical signs and having Narcan on hand. Now, she carries it everywhere she goes, noting, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Gretchen Schafer, a 50-year-old mom, shares similar sentiments. She supports her daughter Ingrid, 19, by ensuring she has access to Narcan and other essentials.
“The common pushback I hear is, ‘My kids don’t hang out with drug users,’” Schafer mentioned, highlighting the unpredictability of college environments. “But what if someone slips something into their drink?”
Pushing for awareness about safe sex, she also mentioned the importance of having Plan B readily available. “In case of an assault, I want her to have it on hand; it was just $6 at Costco,” she added.
To ensure Ingrid understands how to use all these health items, Schafer created a detailed, emoji-coded instruction list.
Her list includes various prompts for different scenarios, like, “Oh, did your condom break? Take one Plan B as soon as possible after unprotected sex (within 72 hours).”
Schafer’s commitment isn’t about coddling; it’s about empowerment. “I want her to be my Swiss Army knife roommate,” she stated.
Jamie Green, too, hopes Sofia will be a reliable friend among her peers. “Preparation is crucial,” she mentioned, aiming for Sofia’s friends to feel comfortable approaching her for help when needed.
“Oh, and Narcan and Plan B aren’t just for Sofia—they can be for anyone who might need them,” Jamie emphasized, hoping to foster a supportive community among students.
Sofia herself is eager about the prospect of being someone others can lean on. “My mom and I have always had a very open relationship. It’s definitely better to be prepared rather than keeping secrets,” she said, reflecting on the importance of trust and readiness.
“I hope that the other girls in my dorm know they can count on me and my mom if they’re ever in a tough spot.”
