The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the United States, and a growing concern is the treatment of individuals who are considered “opioid-naïve.” These are typically people who do not intend to ingest opioids but end up consuming them unknowingly, often with fatal consequences. Robert Kent, a long-time drug policy expert, sheds light on this issue and calls for specific policies to address the needs of these occasional users.

The Issue of Opioid-Naïve Users

Kent highlights the tragic case of Ethan Bherwani, a 22-year-old who died after unknowingly ingesting fentanyl while celebrating his college graduation. Ethan’s story underscores the urgent need for policies tailored to “opioid-naïve” individuals—those who do not intend to use opioids and have no tolerance for them, yet overdose in increasing numbers.

Unintentional Fentanyl Ingestion

According to Kent, many young people are buying what they believe to be Ritalin, Xanax, or other substances, only to find out too late that these drugs are laced with fentanyl. This unintentional ingestion occurs not only with pills but also with other recreational drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, making the situation even more perilous.

The Role of Naloxone

Naloxone, an opioid reversal drug, is a critical tool in combating opioid overdoses. However, Kent points out that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) lacks a specific policy for providing naloxone to opioid-naïve individuals. Despite this, naloxone is widely available across New York, and people can obtain it over the counter from drug stores.

New York’s Policy Landscape

The DOH has made significant strides in fighting the opioid epidemic, including making naloxone and fentanyl testing strips available to the public, funding drug user support programs, and supporting community-based organisations. The state also has more than 1,300 registered opioid overdose prevention programs that provide naloxone free of charge and offer opioid overdose prevention training.

Legislative Efforts

Kent supports the availability of various opioid antagonists and is advocating for legislation that would require the DOH to make all FDA-approved opioid reversal agents available. Assemblymember Phil Steck has sponsored a bill to this effect, which has passed in the state Assembly but has yet to be voted out of committee in the state Senate.

Future Procurement Plans

Currently, the state contracts with only one maker of naloxone. However, DOH Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald has indicated that the department will issue a new procurement next year to potentially get a better price on the drug. Despite this, McDonald is not yet willing to update the statewide standing order to include all FDA-approved versions of naloxone.

Community Response and Resources

The DOH continues to provide resources like “Know the Facts” and “Safer Choices for People Who Use Drugs” to help those at risk, including opioid-naïve individuals. These resources aim to equip communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent overdoses and save lives.

The treatment of opioid-naïve users presents unique challenges that require targeted policies and community efforts. By making naloxone widely available and advocating for legislative changes, states like New York can better protect individuals who unintentionally ingest opioids. Community awareness and proactive measures are crucial in mitigating the impact of this ongoing crisis.

Source: Spectrum Local News