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Naloxone

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In recent years, the heroin epidemic has engulfed many American citizens, claiming the lives of more than 18,000 people between 2001 and 2014 (Overdose Death Rates). There is an ongoing controversy about whether or not the use of naloxone to reverse opiate overdoses is ethical. Overdose-related deaths are concentrated among those most affected by opiate dependence; the poor, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals cycling in and out of the criminal justice system (Bazazi). Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan™, is an opioid antagonist that counteracts the effects of opiate overdoses and in most cases saves the user. The use of naloxone on heroin overdoses is extremely beneficial and should be utilized in all parts of the United States. …show more content…

It was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 1971 (Wing). Recent studies have found that non-medical personnel are willing and able to give naloxone to addicts when they are overdosing. Despite this finding, Naloxone is only available to a small percentage of opiate users in the U.S. through limited programs. Many object that the drug should only be given out my medically trained professionals, but studies show that with basic training, almost anyone can recognize and respond to an overdose. Research also shows that if a drug user is properly trained, they can reverse their own overdose with Naloxone. Again, many don’t believe that a drug user is competent enough during an overdose to reverse its effects. There has been evidence found to invalidate this presumption, and users can be as aware and equipped and a medic. According to HHS Public Access, this represents a denial of drug users’ basic human dignity by devaluing their …show more content…

Naloxone distribution programs recognize that drug use often continues after treatment efforts. Though treating substance dependence and stopping substance abuse are the ultimate goals, interventions to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, such as death from opiate overdose, are critical intermediary steps (Bazazi). In simpler terms, drug abuse can’t be eliminated overnight, but steps need to be taken to reduce abuse so that eventually the problem will diminish as more and more addicts seek treatment. Naloxone programs are meant to improve the health of an unpopular population. Negative social perceptions of drug users and an abstinence-oriented approach to drug addiction limit the political will to promote harm reduction interventions, with support for these programs often seen as supporters of drug abuse (Bazazi). With the stigma on drug users ranking low on social priorities, it is unethical and quite frankly repulsive to allow single minded view on the harms of drug use to overshadow an opportunity to save human

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