Controversial overdose antidote may hit national market
Narcan, a drug previously only available to EMTs, may now be available to civilians trained to use it nationwide
By Dave Wedge
The Boston Herald
BOSTON —More than 250 Hub drug addicts have been rescued thanks to a program that trains relatives how to use an anti-overdose treatment - and now access to the controversial antidote could be expanding nationwide thanks to support from the Obama administration.
'We want people to get the help they need to overcome addiction, but we have to get rid of the shame and stigma that often gets in the way,' Mayor Thomas M. Menino said.
Dozens of relatives of overdose victims and survivors, as well as drug treatment officials and lawmakers, are expected at an 'overdose vigil' tonight in Copley Square. The 7 p.m. event is part of a national effort to raise awareness of opiate abuse and highlight programs that put the anti-overdose drug Narcan in the hands of junkies' relatives.
'The vigil is a chance for folks in the community ... to support one another and prevent these needless tragedies from happening,' Menino said.
In 2006, Boston was one of the first cities in the nation to offer civilian training in the use of Narcan, a prescription drug that counteracts the effects of opiates during an overdose. The drug had previously only been carried by EMTs.
'It's been essential,' said Sarah Mackin, a harm reduction specialist with the Boston Public Health Commission. 'It's a life-saving tool.'
While cops and EMTs have complained the drug should not be in the hands of civilians, President Obama's drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, last week called for wider public distribution. The federal Food and Drug Administration is considering making Narcan an over-the-counter drug, while there is a bill pending in Congress to fund more programs.
BPHC officials said 2,500 people have been trained to use Narcan in Boston, which has led to 250 overdose reversals. Statewide, 15,000 people have been trained and 1,500 overdoses have been thwarted, officials said.
'We've had many success stories,' said Jan Quiram, co-director of the BPHC's addiction services unit.
City health officials also hailed a new state law signed by Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this year that offers immunity from prosecution for people who call 911 for an overdose. The Copley vigil comes on the heels of a spate of fatal overdoses and a spike in opiate-fueled crime in South Boston.
|
Alice K. Pfeiffer Friday, September 07, 2012 7:02:33 PM Would love tp have this as a neighborhood "First Responder". Live in Rural NW Arkansas. EMS is excellent, but often take 20+ minutes to get to site.
Aice Pfeiffer, RN, EMT. 
Samuel Gates Saturday, September 08, 2012 5:38:10 AM This has been tried in other cities with positive results. While attending a conference I came accross an article that "responsible" addicts were being trainied in the use of herion antidote.
Anything that reduces mortality is worthwhile. I am just concerned that this is a double edged sword.
I am not convinced that removing some of the stigma of addiction is a good thing. I think we need to continue to view addiction as a problem that profoundly affects society.
The end goal of treatment is help the patient. To make narcan OTC may be a means of reducing mortality is in my belief is akin to making the morning after birth control available to minors. It treats the complications of bad decisions. There has to be consequences.
Want to help people? Maybe showing the full effects of addiction might be helpfuli. The ruined lives, the associated criminal activity associated with drug use. Society looks at it as a disease without ever really considering it's cost.
Addiction destroys life, not just that of the patient, but their family and friends. The constant costs take resources away needed for people who have medical issues not of their making.
The true success stories will be when we reduce the rate of addiction and improve the treatment rate.
Be safe out there. 
