Evaluation of a naloxone distribution and administration program in New York City

Subst Use Misuse. 2008;43(7):858-70. doi: 10.1080/10826080701801261.

Abstract

Naloxone, an opiate antagonist that can avert opiate overdose mortality, has only recently been prescribed to drug users in a few jurisdictions (Chicago, Baltimore, New Mexico, New York City, and San Francisco) in the United States. This report summarizes the first systematic evaluation of large-scale naloxone distribution among injection drug users (IDUs) in the United States. In 2005, we conducted an evaluation of a comprehensive overdose prevention and naloxone administration training program in New York City. One hundred twenty-two IDUs at syringe exchange programs (SEPs) were trained in Skills and Knowledge on Overdose Prevention (SKOOP), and all were given a prescription for naloxone by a physician. Participants in SKOOP were over the age of 18, current participants of SEPs, and current or former drug users. Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed overdose experience and naloxone use. Naloxone was administered 82 times; 68 (83.0%) persons who had naloxone administered to them lived, and the outcome of 14 (17.1%) overdoses was unknown. Ninety-seven of 118 participants (82.2%) said they felt comfortable to very comfortable using naloxone if indicated; 94 of 109 (86.2%) said they would want naloxone administered if overdosing. Naloxone administration by IDUs is feasible as part of a comprehensive overdose prevention strategy and may be a practicable way to reduce overdose deaths on a larger scale.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health
  • Comprehensive Health Care / methods
  • Drug Overdose / mortality
  • Drug Overdose / prevention & control
  • Drug Overdose / psychology
  • Drug Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data
  • Drug Utilization
  • Heroin Dependence / psychology
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular / methods
  • Naloxone / administration & dosage
  • Naloxone / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Needle-Exchange Programs
  • New York City
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Preventive Health Services / methods
  • Program Evaluation / methods*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / rehabilitation*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naloxone