“I Don’t Have Deaths on my Conscience”: the Impact of a Peer-Delivered Naloxone Program on a Community of Intravenous Drug Users in Eugene, Oregon
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Date
2019-06
Authors
Rochester, Eleanor Gloria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The United States is in the midst of an epidemic of overdose deaths. In response,
harm reduction programs commonly distribute the opioid antagonist naloxone directly
to drug users so that they can act as first responders to overdose. When injected,
naloxone reverses respiratory depression and can save the life of a person overdosing on
opioids. As evidence for the effectiveness of these programs at reducing deaths
continues to be collected, little research has been conducted into the impact of serving
in this role on drug users themselves. To better understand the lived experiences of drug
users with naloxone, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen syringe
exchange participants who currently carry naloxone. Interviews revealed that carrying
and administering naloxone is empowering for many drug users, because it contrasts
with the powerlessness they may feel in other aspects of their lives. Peer administrators
use naloxone in a way that reinforces the community of care among drug users. This
aligns with the goals of harm reduction programs, which seek to empower drug users to
make choices to improve their lives, without abstinence as the ultimate goal. Future
programs distributing naloxone to drug users should be aware of its potential not only to
save lives, but to increase drug users’ self-confidence and strengthen the network of
overdose care in their communities.
Description
Submitted to the Undergraduate Library Research Award scholarship competition: 2019. 72 pages.
Keywords
naloxone, Peer intervention, overdose care