The Use of Naloxone in Preventing a Heroin Overdose

In 2013, more than 20,000 individuals died from an accidental overdose due to heroin or prescription opiate abuse. The rates of abuse and subsequent death by heroin overdose have been rising steadily over the past decade, but this public health crisis has recently moved into the spotlight. Considering these staggering facts concerning opiate abuse, it's no wonder why so many people have become aware of this social issue:

• Half a million Americans are addicted to heroin
• Four out of five heroin addicts first became hooked on prescription opiate painkillers
• Someone dies approximately every two hours due to a heroin overdose

Naloxone: Saving Lives by Counteracting Heroin Overdose

An answer to stemming the tide of heroin-related deaths lies within a drug called naloxone. This non-addictive prescription drug can reverse the potentially fatal symptoms of an opiate overdose if it is administered in time. Unfortunately, as of 2014, only 12 states allow basic emergency medical service personnel (EMS) to administer nalaxone injections in cases of opioid overdoses. Advanced EMS are able to deliver the life-saving injection, but many rural or impoverished areas do not have access to advanced services. However, a form of this drug is available in an intra-nasal spray, eliminating the need for EMS to receive advanced training regarding injection protocol and safety. In fact, this nasal form of naloxone is so safe and easy to use that some states have taken the initiative to pass legislation allowing private citizens to possess and freely administer it as needed.

Is Naloxone the Answer to Opiate-Related Deaths?

This drug holds a great potential to help opiate addicts recover from their addiction. Instead of dying from the chronic progression of addiction, naloxone offers people a second chance at life and recovery. Life-saving interventions, such as this drug provides, are especially important in rural or suburban areas which typically have higher rates of opioid abuse and related deaths than do urban areas. With the help of this overdose reversal drug, perhaps more people will be able to realize their dream of freedom from addiction. Learning about heroin overdose prevention is critical to treating the abuse epidemic, and friends and family of anybody who is suffering from opioid dependency should become aware of this lifesaving option. Saving a life today could result in a better tomorrow. To learn more about Naloxone and heroin treatment, contact Freedom From Addiction. We can help you.