The rising number of deaths connected to Fentanyl and other opioids continues to be a major concern nationwide as lawmakers search for solutions to address the ongoing Fentanyl Crisis.
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdoses remain the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. Their findings reveal that nearly 81,000 Americans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2021, and unfortunately, experts expect those numbers to continue increasing through 2022.
A recent decision by the FDA may play an important role in saving lives by allowing Naloxone, also known as Narcan, to be purchased without a prescription.
Dr. Randy Gelow, Medical Director at Arizona IOP, believes this change should have taken place much sooner. “I think people will now recognize that opioids are more common than many would like to admit because the reversal agent is now available over the counter to help prevent deaths,” said Dr. Gelow. Many people across the Valley share similar views.
The doctor also noted that while easier access to Naloxone offers benefits, possible risks remain. He hopes over-the-counter Narcan does not encourage people to take greater risks or seek stronger highs because they feel protected from overdose.
