Professor Valerie Tober
English 102 Effectiveness in Writing
Providing a Second Chance: An Argument for the Expanded Use of Naloxone
What if there was a way to greatly reduce the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States? Imagine the difference that something possessing high efficacy for combating the symptoms of overdose, combined with ease of use, would have on the lives of those often neglected members of society who suffer from substance abuse. Luckily such a treatment, known as Naloxone, has already been developed and is seeing use in medical systems across the world. Through the expanded use and availability of Naloxone the United States would be able to achieve a significant reversal on the rising trend of overdose deaths within the country. …show more content…
In theory anyone can empathize with this sentiment, however those fears are unfounded when looking at Naloxone. The CDC has determined that the drug possesses no potential for abuse and has only very minor side effects (Wheeler et al.). Additionally studies indicate that the treatment shows no signs of causing long term health effects (Bowman, Eiserman, Beletsky, Stancliff, & Bruce 569). Providing communities with education on the drug should alleviate any health concerns they may have about Naloxone.
As the United States finds itself approaching near epidemic levels of opiate overdose deaths per year, Naloxone stands as a true, almost common sense tool to combat this rise. Prevention will always be the first choice to prevent drug abuse, but when that method fails Naloxone should be available to minimize the damage. Naloxone stands as a treatment with no real negatives and enormous lifesaving potential. Opiate overdoses are a tragic possibility for many individuals in this country, with greater availability Naloxone could provide more of them with a second chance at