TOOLS TO ADDRESS USE AND OVERDOSE.
Some tools to reduce overdose deaths are already available in South Carolina – but more are needed to save the lives of South Carolinians.
The Opioid Overdose Epidemic
Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. are a public health crisis that was made worse by COVID 19. The opioid overdose death epidemic has its roots in the high number of prescriptions written for opioids for pain management in the 1990s and is the subject of litigation and large settlements against pharmaceutical companies nationwide, based on claims that the companies misrepresented the addictive properties of opioids to prescribers. The opioid overdose epidemic has had two “waves” subsequently, with increases in overdose deaths from heroin beginning in 2010, and from potent synthetic opioids (fentanyl) beginning in 2013. The 2020 increase in opioid overdose deaths is attributed to the disruption of daily life related to the COVID 19 pandemic and an increase in fentanyl in the U.S. drug supply
The Opioid Overdose Antidote
Naloxone is safe and effective medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. An “opioid antagonist”, it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. Naloxone prevents overdose death and reduces potential disability caused by respiratory depression. Easy access to and early administration of Naloxone is important because the risk of irreversible cell death increases with time.
Naloxone is available in three FDA-approved formulations: two injectable and one nasal spray. Injectable naloxone is available in vials and also in a branded auto-injection device.. Nasal naloxone is available in a branded packaged spray called Narcan. Narcan, recently became available for purchase without a prescription, and another brand will be available in the coming months. Naloxone’s cost to consumers varies widely. Community-based nonprofit providers in some states receive nasal naloxone free from public health departments and generic injectable naloxone at very low cost through nonprofit distributors.
South Carolina Law Promotes Naloxone Distribution and Training
Even prescription naloxone can be accessed without an individual prescription and programs to provide training are available. The Naloxone Saves South Carolina website contains additional information and resources.
Next Steps
Harm reduction programs have been proven to prevent overdose deaths, HIV and hepatitis C infections and get people connected to treatment for substance use disorders, medical and mental health issues. By providing community members with safe supplies, harm reduction programs engage and support people who may otherwise not engage in systems of care.
Also called “Syringe Services Programs” these programs provide safe syringes and distribute free naloxone and also train people how to use it.
To learn more about these programs, see the resources below.