Good news, a new study finds that expanding access to naloxone (Narcan), an antidote that reverses opioid overdoses and saves countless lives every day, was NOT associated with increased heroin or other intravenous drug use among adolescents. This echoes previous research that finds no such "moral hazard" occurring among adults either. Thus conclusively ends one of the most tired, jaded, cynical, and empathy-lacking arguments against harm reduction.
In other words, in this day and age, there is absolutely no rational reason to not make naloxone readily available, period. Ditto for things like fentanyl test kits as well. Those who oppose doing so are thus basing their self-righteous opposition on a selectively moralistic and ideological foundation, and certainly not a scientific or a humanitarian one.
The same goes for needle exchange programs as well, something even former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg openly came out in favor of during his time as mayor.
The flip side of "live and let live" need not be "live and let die". Harm reduction is NOT a zero-sum game, since dead people can't recover from addiction.
NOTE: Narcan nasal spray is now approved for over the counter (OTC) sale by the FDA. It should have always been, but better late than never. Beware that it only reverses opioid overdoses, not overdoses of other, non-opioid drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, crack, meth, Adderall, benzos, or xylazine ("tranq").
Harm reduction is the best strategy in reducing overdoses. It's a good thing to Narcan is available for over the counter sale. This is going to be important in reducing overdose deaths from Fentanyl throughout the country.
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