Opioid abuse and addiction is so widespread, we’re seeing the repercussions of such problems in many parts of society. One of these parts is the education system.
Schools in the state of Michigan and other U.S. states now have opioid/opiate inhibitors available. As their name indicates, opioid inhibitors or opioid antagonists are drugs that block the effects of opioids, a class of drugs that includes heroin, fentanyl, morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone (OxyContin), Vicodin, Norco, and others.
Michigan and other states have approved the over-the-counter sale of such inhibitors. One such drug is naloxone, which often goes by the name Narcan.
Given their reputation as powerful drugs, people might seek out opioids even if they’ve never used them for medical purposes. Indeed, drug dealers now sell prescription drugs (without prescriptions, of course) just as they sell illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
Public institutions recognize such opioid/opiate abuse. That’s why schools keep drugs such as naloxone on hand. Such drugs can reverse the effects of an overdose. First responders such as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and police officers also often carry such drugs, a practice that has reduced the number of people harmed from opioid overdoses. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people with prescriptions for naloxone had 63 percent fewer emergency room visits relating to their opioid use.
Some people might argue that keeping naloxone on school premises will indicate to students that drug use is acceptable. But using such medications can mean the difference between life and death, for students and others. Did you know that some opioids such as fentanyl are so powerful, people helping overdose victims can overdose themselves? Just brushing away a tiny bit of fentanyl with your hands can cause an overdose.
Children and young people are not immune to drug abuse. Neither are their teachers and other adults in their lives. Drug abuse and addiction are equal opportunity offenders. Recognizing that drug abuse exists and the damage that drugs can cause can help us fight addiction and help those who struggle with it.
