The opioid epidemic in the United States has been a growing concern for healthcare professionals and policymakers alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 90,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in 2020, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. Of those deaths, nearly 70% involved opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl. In response to this crisis, overdose reversal medication, such as naloxone, has been widely distributed to healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to prevent fatal overdoses. While this approach has saved countless lives, there is growing concern that it may be becoming less effective and cost-efficient in reducing overdoses, ultimately giving drug users a false sense of security.
The stance presented in response to the Week 1 Discussion argues that relying solely on overdose reversal medication may have potential negative consequences, including encouraging drug use and increasing costs for medical and emergency personnel. The essay argues for the need for more productive and cost-effective ways to address opioid abuse and reduce repeat overdoses, promoting the importance of long-term treatment for drug abusers. While some individuals in the medical field or harm reduction advocates may disagree with this stance, arguing that these medications save lives and provide critical harm reduction measures, others may argue that access to these medications is a basic human right, regardless of the cost. Finally, some individuals who believe in a libertarian philosophy may argue that drug use is a personal choice and that individuals should have the freedom to make their own decisions without government intervention.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue, scholarly research in the library is essential. Search phrases to consider include the effectiveness and cost of overdose reversal medication, overdose rates in the United States, city, state, and hospital policies for drug overdose and continuing treatment, and the percentage of repeat drug overdose abusers.
English 148 Week 1 Assignment Argument Research Essay Proposal
The widespread distribution of overdose reversal medication, such as naloxone, has been a critical harm reduction measure in combating the opioid epidemic. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, reversing the effects of the drug and restoring normal breathing. It has been credited with saving countless lives, and it is now available without a prescription in many states.
However, there is a growing concern that relying solely on naloxone and other overdose reversal medications may be giving drug users a false sense of security and ultimately encouraging drug use. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2018, researchers found that while naloxone was effective in reversing opioid overdoses, it did not reduce the overall mortality rate or the number of emergency department visits related to opioid abuse.
Moreover, the cost of naloxone and other overdose reversal medications has been steadily increasing, leading to concerns about its cost-effectiveness. The average wholesale price of naloxone increased from $0.92 per dose in 2005 to $15.90 per dose in 2020, according to a report from the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. This increase in cost has resulted in a strain on the budgets of hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) providers, who are responsible for administering the medication.
Additionally, the availability of naloxone may be leading to an increase in repeat overdoses. In a study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine in 2021, researchers found that nearly 20% of individuals who received naloxone for an overdose had another overdose within a year. This highlights the need for long-term treatment for individuals struggling with opioid abuse and addiction.
While overdose reversal medications have undoubtedly saved countless lives, it is essential to recognize their limitations and the need for more productive and cost-effective ways to address opioid abuse. Long-term treatment, such as medication-assisted treatment