The demand for a life-saving opioid overdose drug has doubled in one year, driven by a new cohort of stimulant and hallucinogenic users seeking protection from laced narcotics. The increase in overdose deaths led health authorities to urge all drug users to carry naloxone, particularly due to the presence of potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes in substances like cocaine. The Take Home Naloxone program, rolled out nationwide by the Albanese government, saw a significant rise in distribution from 110,976 units in 2022-2023 to 243,248 in 2023-2024.
Pharmacists noted a shift in naloxone recipients from opioid users to a broader range of drug users, reflecting the changing landscape of drug lacing and associated risks. The NSW Health alert prompted a surge in orders for naloxone as stimulant users became more aware of the potential dangers. While stigma around carrying naloxone still exists, many, like Polly*, recognize its life-saving potential and advocate for widespread availability. Stay informed and prepared in the face of evolving drug dangers with naloxone.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
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