The Food and Drug Administration is allowing the overdose-reversing drug Narcan to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter, which could make Narcan a common emergency tool.

"I had experienced two overdoses in my lifetime in the 32 years I was addicted to heroin," said Bridgeport City Council Member Jorge Cruz.

Cruz is a recovering drug addict.

"Your body's craving it, your mind is craving it," said Cruz.

Cruz says he now carries a Narcan kit with him. He says he's happy to hear that the nasal spray will now be available without a prescription.

"The government is trying. It's trying to help," said Cruz.

Westport police have administered Narcan since it first came out but say the drug alone cannot save lives.

"The Narcan is fast-acting and could possibly wear off and put the person back into an overdose, so we need to get them medical attention even though you've given them Narcan," said Westport Police Lt Eric Woods.

Cruz says addicts also need to talk to someone.

"We're living in a very dark age with this addiction. The most difficult part is changing the mindset because you're dealing with an obsession and the compulsivity of it," said Cruz.

Cruz has been talking to people about Narcan for a long time. He hopes it can reduce the tens of thousands of overdose deaths in this country every year.

"I suggest everybody be prepared and carry a Narcan kit their cars," said Cruz.

The maker of Narcan says it will become available at your local pharmacy by late summer. Two doses of the drug costs about $50.

Many public and private insurance programs do not cover most over-the-counter medicines.