The case for expanding access to the anti-overdose drug is gaining steam around the country. Here’s how it works, where it’s available and what comes next
By Nadja Popovich and Ruth Spencer
The death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman from a heroin overdose in February cast a spotlight on America’s steadily rising overdose rate. Since then, there’s been a lot of reporting on how state governments are trying to address the problem. One popular move: making naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdose, more widely available to the public.
Laws that expand access to naloxone have been passed by 17 states so far, 10 of which did so just last year. Eight more states have similar bills under consideration in 2014. As naloxone legislation moves from state to state, we take a look at the drug itself to better understand how it works and why it’s up for debate.
Throughout the article, Guardian readers who responded for an earlier feature on heroin addiction recount their own experiences with the anti-overdose drug. Read the full article here. »
