Naloxone: More people should have access to this life-saving medication

Chris Hartley highlights The Salvation Army's campaign to prevent deaths caused by drug overdose.

Each day, 18 people in the UK die because of drugs – that’s 18 people who had hopes and dreams, friends and family.

Since our founding 160 years ago, The Salvation Army has walked with people on their journey of recovery from addiction. We know from our work supporting people struggling with addiction, that drugs are often used to escape a reality of unbearable pain and trauma. For many, while drugs may provide a temporary escape, they also come with dangers and the risk of death. Every life lost to a drug overdose is a tragedy, but even more so when that life could have been saved.

Sadly, today in the UK, opioids are readily available. In particular, synthetic opioids – which are man-made rather than derived from natural sources – are far more potent and, therefore, very dangerous. Fentanyl, for example, is 50 times stronger than heroin. According to official statistics, almost half of drug-related deaths in the UK involve opioids.

Deaths caused by drug overdose can, and should be, prevented. And there is a potentially life-saving solution.

The medication naloxone, if administered to someone who is having an overdose caused by opioids, will temporarily halt the effects of the opioid and provide vital time for the individual to receive medical attention. Through our addiction support and frontline services, we have seen the life-saving effect of naloxone.

Naloxone is affordable and simple to use. However, according to Salvation Army research, only 14 per cent of the UK public are aware of it.

That’s why on, 18 June, the Army’s Addictions Department will be hosting an awareness-raising session for MPs in the House of Commons to show how easy and effective naloxone can be in saving lives. We hope by doing so we can increase awareness of naloxone and potentially save lives.

We need as many MPs as possible to attend our event so that they can learn about this life-saving medication and use their voices to raise awareness.

Jesus walked and lived with those who were seen as outcasts – people suffering from diseases, women forced into sex work, others. He recognised the intrinsic value of each life, a gift from God made in God’s image.

This is why The Salvation Army seeks to help those struggling with addiction – we believe in each and every person’s unique value, character and capacity to thrive given the right circumstances.

The Addictions Department follow a harm reduction philosophy, supporting people to stay as safe as possible and minimise risks to themselves and others. Naloxone is part of this approach and, if more people – including politicians who can influence government policies on naloxone – were aware of it, it could save the lives of people who are at risk of an overdose.

Reflect and respond

• Read John 8:2–11. Reflect on your perception of people struggling with addiction.
• Pray for the Addictions Department as they meet with MPs.
• Consider contacting your MP with a prepared template email.