We gave Narcan to one particular addict 20 times in one month

[vorlon13]

Saw this editorial piece today.  While profoundly depressing, I can claim absolutely no surprise while reading this.

http://www.omaha.com/opinion/diane-dimon...69a5c.html


From the article:

. . . Without a doubt, countless thousands have had their lives saved with a dose of naloxone. But then what? Reports from the front lines make clear that reviving an overdosed patient does not lead the patient to suddenly seek a sober lifestyle. Furthermore, the widespread availability of this antidote has made many addicts feel invincible . . .

[Silver]

Unfortunately, those in the health care field are not allowed to simply let the patient die.

I personally would, but that's just me.

[vorlon13]

I thought the point of saving them was that the experience would foster a desire for rehab, not more dope . . .

[Silver]

I thought the point of saving them was that the experience would foster a desire for rehab, not more dope . . .

Addiction is a complex thing.

Certainly, many who reach rock bottom do come to the realization that they need to change what they allowed themselves to become. It doesn't work that way with everyone; those who refuse to change will eventually be found dead before they could have received help.

[vorlon13]

I'm thinking a 'quick fix' for all uses of narcan would be not turning the addict lose, but instead, securing them in a padded cell and allowing them to go cold turkey for whatever time period is deemed appropriate.

This giving someone narcan 20 times in a month is insane when they should be confined for what, a week or so, after each dose.

Yeah, I'm a cold hearted one. 30 years with addicts of all stripes has hardened me to quite a bit of it.

[Little lunch]

That's not cold.
Letting them die would be cold, murderous even.

[Brian37]

Saw this editorial piece today.  While profoundly depressing, I can claim absolutely no surprise while reading this.

http://www.omaha.com/opinion/diane-dimon...69a5c.html


From the article:

. . . Without a doubt, countless thousands have had their lives saved with a dose of naloxone. But then what? Reports from the front lines make clear that reviving an overdosed patient does not lead the patient to suddenly seek a sober lifestyle. Furthermore, the widespread availability of this antidote has made many addicts feel invincible . . .

Same shit is happening in the small town an hour north of me. Same problem is going on in West Virginia.

But the ignorant right wants to point to urban settings. Nebraska does not have huge cities. 

I hear stories here in my county about how funding is needed for antidotes for opiate overdose.  I live in the sticks.

But hey, the rich love desperation, great for profits.