The Need for Naloxone
Abstract
Naloxone is an invaluable tool combating the opioid epidemic as it reverses opioid overdose. In the United States alone, 2.6 million people struggle with opioid use disorder.1 Everyday emergency rooms admit over 1,000 patients due to opioid misuse.2 As the epidemic grows, so does the need for naloxone. From 2011 to 2016 naloxone spending skyrocketed 1,072 percent.3 Still, the problem of opioid overdose and misuse persists. Increasing access to naloxone is controversial, but it has the utility to prevent many tragedies. First responders play an important role by administering naloxone to those in need, providing an opportunity for a second chance. Follow along for a Brownsburg, Indiana firefighter’s perspective on the naloxone issue and what it means for our communities.
References:
1. Wen LS, Behrle EB, Tsai AC. Evaluating the impact of Affordable Care Act repeal on America’s opioid epidemic. PLoS Med. 2017:14(8), 2–5. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002380.
2. Prescription Opioid Overdose Data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html. Published: August 1, 2017. Accessed February 18, 2018.
3. Clemans-Cope L, Epstein M, Kenney G. Rapid growth in Medicaid spending on medications to treat opioid use disorder and overdose. Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/91521/2001386-rapid-growth-in-medicaid-spending-on-medications-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder-and-overdose_3.pdf. Published June 2017. Accessed October 8, 2017.