The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) has posted a substance use trend alert for Naloxone administration across the U.S. and Florida.
Naloxone is a medication approved by the FDA to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It works by bonding to opioid receptors to reverse or block effects of other opioids.
Studies show that naloxone distribution programs among emergency personnel and anyone in a position to save the life of someone at risk of overdose can prevent 21% of opioid overdose deaths. All 50 states have passed legislation to improve naloxone access. In most states, anyone can receive naloxone from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Nationwide studies show that when states passed naloxone access laws, opioid overdose deaths decreased by 14%. Across the U.S., 402,044 naloxone administrations were reported in 2021 - 400,167 in 2022 - and 381,799 in 2023.
Closer to home in Florida, data from the Dept. of Health's Substance Use dashboard indicate a significant increase in naloxone administration from 2015 to 2022. In 2015, Florida EMS responded to 28,732 suspected overdoses and naloxone was administered to 20,327 individuals. In 2022, Florida EMS responded to 105,490 suspected overdoses and naloxone was administered to 51,752 individuals.
Alert Recommendation - Evidence-based
strategies for prevention opioid overdoses should include naloxone distribution
programs to educate and train individuals who are most likely to encounter an
overdose. First responders, people who use drugs, and their friends and family
should be equipped with naloxone kits to potentially save lives. Access and
availability to naloxone among the public saves lives.
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