The article says that deaths peaked in mid 2023. Narcan was approved for over the counter use in March 2023.

That suggests a plausible alternative cause.

What is your supposition here? That addicts are keeping narcan around just in case? That good friends of addicts are standing by with the spray in case it is needed? That your local opium den had staff with it on hand?

Narcan should be available, but short of a few users that know they need to keep it around, I don’t buy that making it available has meant a significant change in total outcomes because of timely deployment.

▲

swamp_donkey 18 hours ago | parent | next [-]

First responders would carry narcan or equivalent. I am sure it is readily available in areas where people are dying daily from overdoses.

▲

patmorgan23 8 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

See as you can buy narcan out of a vending machine now, yes it's wider distribution probably has a downward effect on opioid deaths.

▲

squigz 18 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Some of those ... absolutely, yes?

You might have got some at a rehab centre, or someone might live with a non-addict friend or partner. Community outreach workers (in cities that have embraced this stuff) might carry some around to administer.

I would be surprised if widespread availability to Narcan didn't decrease ODs.

	▲	cindyllm 18 hours ago \| parent [-]
		[dead]

▲

fc417fc802 15 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Yes to all of the above. I knew of addicts who managed to get their hands on it many years ago when it required a prescription. Most weren't that resourceful though.