DrugScope has today welcomed the National Treatment Agency's announcement of a pilot scheme that will see families and carers of opiate users trained in drug overdose management and the administration of naloxone, a drug which reverses the effects of a drug overdose.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which blocks the effects of opiates, such as heroin or methadone. When administered to somebody who has overdosed on opiates, the overdose is reversed for long enough for medical assistance to arrive. Naloxone can be administered by injection straight into muscle tissue (intra-muscular), although the drug can also be injected intravenously. Evidence suggests that naloxone does not cause dependency and the drug would have to be used in substantial quantities to have harmful effects.
Under the pilot scheme announced today, families and carers in sixteen cities in England will be provided with training and information on basic life support techniques, overdose awareness (i.e. how to recognise the symptoms and risk factors), and how to administer naloxone safely. The scheme will also encourage drug users to consider the risks associated with their drug use and available drug treatment options.
Responding to today’s announcement, DrugScope Chief Executive Martin Barnes said:
“More needs to be done to reduce drug-related deaths in the UK, and this pilot scheme is a welcome move. Naloxone can save lives and is routinely used by paramedics to reverse opiate overdoses. Equipping carers and families with naloxone, and training in how to administer it safely, could make a vital difference in keeping someone alive long enough for an ambulance to arrive.
“Today’s family-based pilot is a positive development which improves the coverage of naloxone provision and helps involve families and carers to support a loved one. The majority of drug overdoses happen when the user is in the company of others and in some cases, an overdose may take place while the user is at their family home. "
"However, overdoses often happen while the user is with other drug users and DrugScope would welcome an extension of the pilot to ensure that naloxone and overdose prevention training is provided to drug users and their peers, as well as families and carers.”
For more information and/or interviews contact Andrew McNicoll on 020 7520 7563 or email andrewm@drugscope.org.uk
