Witness overdoses in order to reduce deaths: Study

In “Evaluation of Strategies to Enhance Community‐Based Naloxone Distribution Supported by an Opioid Settlement,” researchers found that witnessing overdoses (instead of rescuing them after the fact) can reduce deaths by 37% (compared to 9% without that increase). The simulation study by Xiao Zang, Ph.D., and colleagues supports the concept of overdose prevention centers (OPCs) where drug users can go to use drugs, under the observation of people equipped with naloxone. Witnessing overdoses maximizes the use of naloxone purchases with opioid settlement money, according to the study, which is published in the May 30 issue of JAMA Network Open .