Prolonged use of these drugs can lead to physical dependence, in which the body comes to rely on the presence of opioids to function normally. Naloxone hydrochloride has emerged as a major method of combating opioid abuse. The drug, which is commonly called naloxone, is used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Furthermore, a naloxone hydrochloride injection is capable of reversing the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone is used as a treatment for opioid overdose. In an overdose situation, respiratory depression and cardiovascular changes may cause a person to die. Naloxone sweeps opioid molecules from their receptors, counteracting these actions.