Provision of naloxone to injection drug users as an overdose prevention strategy: early evidence from a pilot study in New York City

Addict Behav. 2006 May;31(5):907-12. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2005.07.020. Epub 2005 Sep 1.

Abstract

Introduction: Naloxone, an opiate antagonist that can avert opiate overdose morality, has long been prescribed to drug users in Europe and in a few US cities. However, there has been little documented evidence of naloxone distribution programs and their feasibility in the peer reviewed literature in the US.

Methods: A pilot overdose prevention and reversal program was implemented in a New York City syringe exchange program. We assessed demographics, drug use, and overdose history, experience, and behavior at baseline, when participants returned for prescription refills, and 3 months after baseline assessment.

Results: 25 participants were recruited. 22 (88%) participants were successfully followed-up in the first 3 months; of these, 11 (50%) participants reported witnessing a total of 26 overdoses during the follow-up period. Among 17 most-recent overdoses witnessed, naloxone was administered 10 times; all persons who had naloxone administered lived.

Discussion: Naloxone administration by injection drug users is feasible as part of a comprehensive overdose prevention strategy and may be a practicable way to reduce overdose deaths on a larger scale.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Overdose / prevention & control
  • Drug Overdose / therapy
  • Drug Utilization / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Naloxone / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Needle-Exchange Programs
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Evaluation
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / rehabilitation*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naloxone