Naloxone, the medication that is used in event of an opioid overdose, was used by physicians, paramedics, some law enforcement, and other trained first responders; however, it is now available as an over the counter nasal spray, which can be used without special medical training. This is an important step in the opioid epidemic, but is not the fix to the underlying problem. Many physicians agreed that there are larger fundamental problems that need to be addressed, including addressing workplace injuries, how opioids are prescribed, resources for treating addiction, and how the drug companies are making money from the entire epidemic.
To read the full article by Janel Miller and published in Healio, click here.