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Abstract

Forensic Science & Addiction Research

When Naloxone is Too Little, Too Late by the Numbers

Submission: July 12, 2019;Published: August 22, 2019

DOI: 10.31031/FSAR.2018.04.000611

ISSN: 2578-0042
Volume5 Issue2

Abstract

Naloxone is an antagonist used to temporarily reverse the physiological effects associated with opioid overdose. Nearly every state has enacted legislation that permits pharmacists to distribute the medication without a prescription [1]. This practice provides those in the social or drug-using networks of an at-risk individual to administer naloxone for emergency treatment purposes, when the first signs and symptoms related to an overdose are recognized. Naloxone is touted in the media as a “miracle drug” that saves lives [2,3]. This is true; research demonstrates that when naloxone is available to community members, opioid related deaths decrease in that community [4]. It is important, however, to promote to the general public and public health decision makers that naloxone is not a panacea for drug addiction. Treatment options involve a range of strategies and are associated with variable effectiveness, but in the absence of comprehensive treatment programs, a steadfast social support network, prescription monitoring programs, and long-term clinical support that includes psychiatric care, medication management and substance abuse monitoring, the cycle of overdose and naloxone treatment continues [5-7].

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