Harm Reduction and Naloxone
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What is Harm Reduction?
The term harm reduction can be used in many contexts, usually aimed at addressing risky behaviors. In relation to the opioid epidemic, the goal of harm reduction is to help people struggling with addiction remain alive and healthy until such time as they are ready to embrace recovery. Two methods of harm reduction- offering Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP’s) and Naloxone kits for overdose reversal- help people who are using drugs to take control of their health while preventing the spread of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
“Harm reduction programs have been shown to lower HIV risk and hepatitis transmission, prevent overdose, and provide a gateway to drug treatment programs for drug users by offering information and assistance in a non-judgmental manner. Harm reduction also protects law enforcement officers from needlestick injuries—accidental pricks to the skin from handling hypodermic needles. By providing safe disposal of injection equipment, harm reduction programs reduce the number of contaminated syringes circulating in a community.” Reference: NC Harm Reduction Coalition
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when given in time. Naloxone is the generic name for the medication, which may be prescribed to give as either an intramuscular injection (IM) or nasal spray. Narcan is a brand name for Naloxone.
- Are you at risk of an opiate-related overdose?
- Are you a family member, or a friend of a person at risk of an opiate-related overdose?
- Are you in the position to assist a person at risk of an opiate-related overdose?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may request Naloxone from any North Carolina pharmacist.
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