Naloxone Approval Is A Game Changer
By: Don Schroeder
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of an over-the-counter (OTC) version of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is good news for people with substance use disorder and for those of us in the addiction treatment field dedicated to helping them.
The FDA’s landmark decision makes Naloxone Nasal Spray (also known as Narcan) easily accessible. Previously it was only available in the U.S. by prescription.
Naloxone saves lives by reversing opioid overdoses. It is an opioid receptor antagonist meaning it binds to opioid receptors and reverses or blocks the effects of the drug. Providing naloxone in the moment reverses the effects of the opioid drugs, restoring normal breathing. It can be administered by injection or through a nasal spray. Naloxone is harmless to individuals who are overdosing on drugs. If they’re overdosing on drugs and as a bystander you are unaware of the type of drug its always best to administer the naloxone.
It is important to remember that if you administer naloxone you should stay with the person until emergency personnel arrive on the scene. As the CEO of a substance use disorder treatment facility, Recovery Centers of America-Indianapolis, my staff and I see the impact naloxone has every day. It gives the patient another chance to choose to go into recovery, and with proper long-term treatment, create a life for themselves free of opioids.
Since 2016, Indiana has seen a 69% increase in unintentional drug overdose deaths, according to the Marion County Health Department. In Marion County, the surge has been worse at 99%. Having naloxone readily available will dramatically reduce the number of overdose deaths in the United States and more specifically in Indiana.
Treat it like first aid
It goes without saying that naloxone doesn’t work unless it’s on hand and appropriately administered during an overdose. Although OTC naloxone (Narcan) is already available without a doctor’s prescription through pharmacies, encouraging utilization though that channel has been difficult. It is important for family members and community members to be trained in the administration of the Narcan so that in a time of crisis they can use it effectively.
It saves lives. Over 107,000 people died in America from an opioid-involved overdose in 2020. There have been studies showing that public bystanders were present in more than one in three overdoses involving opioids. With the right tools, individual citizens can act to prevent numerous overdose deaths. Any person can carry naloxone, administer it to a person who is experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.
Now that naloxone can be obtained over the counter, I encourage all Hoosiers to have it on hand and learn how to use it. Think of it as learning CPR and other lifesaving techniques so you are prepared in the case of a medical emergency. Contact your local health department for information about training on administering naloxone. Take advantage of free programming and 24/7 support at evidence-based addiction treatment facilities right here in our neighborhoods. And if you or someone you love has a substance use or alcohol use disorder, reach out for help today.
While the dangers of illicit drug use are all around us and continue to evolve, one thing is certain: We all must remain ever vigilant in the battle against addiction. Understanding how to confront the latest threat is only the first step.
The stakes have never been higher for Hoosiers.
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