Who Should Carry Naloxone? Addressing Common Misconceptions About Overdose Prevention

Pharmacy Times interviews Alison Newman, MPH, Program Operations Specialist at CEDEER, about who should carry naloxone, common misconceptions surrounding overdose reversal and fentanyl-related overdoses, and the broader strategies needed to reduce overdose deaths.

Newman explains that naloxone should be readily available to anyone who uses opioids, including individuals using prescribed opioids, those purchasing drugs from street or online sources, and the friends and family members of people who use opioids. She also identifies several populations at particularly high risk for overdose, including individuals leaving jail or prison and those with opioid use disorder who have recently been hospitalized and experienced a break in opioid use. Newman emphasizes the importance of not only carrying naloxone but also ensuring that others know where it is and how to use it during an emergency.

The conversation also addresses persistent misconceptions surrounding naloxone. Newman notes that one common belief is that access to naloxone encourages riskier drug use. However, she explains that individuals who use opioids generally do not want naloxone administered because it can trigger immediate withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physically and emotionally distressing. She also discusses misconceptions related to fentanyl overdoses, noting that naloxone remains highly effective and that standard dosing recommendations continue to apply.

Looking beyond naloxone access alone, Newman highlights the critical role of evidence-based treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine in reducing overdose deaths. She advocates for expanding access to these medications through low-barrier programs that offer flexible hours, welcoming environments, and continuity of care. Newman concludes by emphasizing the importance of whole-person care, noting that addressing housing, employment, relationships, and other social factors is often essential to helping individuals reduce substance use and improve long-term outcomes.