Report: Narcan allegedly being used for harm on SF homeless people who aren't overdosing

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Narcan is supposed to be a lifesaver for a drug user who has overdosed, but now there are reports that it's being used for harm in San Francisco.

A new article from ABC7 News media partner The San Francisco Standard details how some street vigilantes fed up with drug users are wielding Narcan like a weapon.

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SF Standard reporter David Sjoestedt spoke with ABC7 News to explain how some drug users in San Francisco are saying residents are using the drug on them when they are not overdosing.

"A couple of instances I heard was someone was sleeping in U.N. Plaza and they basically felt somebody putting this plastic nozzle up their nose and then they woke up to crazy withdrawals and the person was telling them that they couldn't sleep in the plaza," Sjoestedt said. "And, the allegation is that this wasn't somebody who thought they were overdosing, it was somebody who wanted them to move."

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Sjoestedt said the overdose reversal drug brings about intense withdrawal symptoms, including a lot of pain, anxiety, throwing up, and wild temperature fluctuations. A health expert from UCSF told the SF Standard that improper use of Narcan should be considered assault.

The Department of Public Health says people should administer Narcan if they recognize someone is experiencing an overdose, but misusing Narcan to intentionally cause pain or distress is inhumane.