Ms Kerrisk has been drug-free for many years -- but said that frightened teenager inspires her to fight for those whose "maligned" status puts help out of reach.
"I've been there," Ms Kerrisk, now living in Lower Hutt, said.
"When my friend overdosed, we barely even entertained the idea of calling the police or the ambulance.
"If we'd had access to Naloxone, we could have revived him easily.
"That's why it needs to be more accessible -- it can save lives."
Ms Kerrisk, a mother-of-two and trainee youth worker, is a board member of the Drugs Health Development Project (DHDP) -- which administers needle exchange programmes throughout the lower North Island.
Through meeting needle exchange clients, her eyes were again opened to the stigma faced by drug users, leaving them unwilling to seek help for medical issues.
"If you're a user, you're reviled by society.
"For example, a lot of users need help with vein care -- but they're not likely to own up to their GP, when they'll get a slap on the hand.
"These are people who need support, not punishment."
Ms Kerrisk then realised her clients' fear of making a doctor's appointment was preventing them accessing vital medications, such as Naloxone.
"I thought 'someone's got to do something'.
"Then I thought, 'bugger it, I'm someone'."
Ms Kerrisk has started a Facebook page, Naloxone Saves Lives NZ, to raise awareness.
With support from the New Zealand Drug Foundation, she will begin talks with government representatives about changing its prescription-only status.
Naloxone rids the brain receptors of opiates, reversing depression of the nervous and respiratory systems, and can be administered via injection.
"If people can collect it from needle exchanges, their friends can give it to them if they're turning blue on the couch," Ms Kerrisk said.
While Ms Kerrisk is hopeful of a positive outcome, she is aware condemnatory attitudes will come into play -- such as the idea that Naloxone will encourage riskier drug use.
"Which is like saying seatbelts encourage people to drive faster.
"People have also said, 'well, if they take drugs and overdose, that'll learn them'.
"Well, there's no learning if you're dead."
Ms Kerrisk will also be discussing legislation to protect users who call an ambulance for an overdose victim from possible manslaughter charges.
