Take-Home Naloxone, Release From Jail, and Opioid Overdose—A Piece of the Puzzle

Commentary
by
Balter, D. R. & Howell, B. A.

Release Date

2024

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Findings/Key points

This commentary discusses the high rate of death in individuals released from carceral facilities in the US of which, opioid overdose is the leading cause. The authors urge in the context of an ongoing overdose crisis, that this population's harm reduction needs be met, specifically with increased targeted naloxone provision. However, in order for this to be as successful as possible, barriers like risk of legal consequences for carrying and administering naloxone or calling emergency services during overdose must also be addressed. 

Keywords

About people who use drugs
Advocacy
Barriers and enablers
Harm reduction
Illegal drugs
Legal system/law enforcement
Mortality
Overdose