New drug to help drug addict families deal with over doses
Families of drug addicts are to be given a drug that can help reverse the affects of an overdose as part of a new trial, reports the Guardian.
In a quarter of over dose cases, a family member is present, but they are left feeling helpless and unable to help the addict, apart from calling an ambulance, and hoping that it arrives in time. It’s hoped it will save hundreds of lives.
The drug, naxolone, is being trialled over 16 different areas by 950 families, with plans to then roll it out to a quarter of a million people. It works by reviving people from unconsciousness quickly, and is administered by injecting it into muscle. The families will be given a kit containing the drug and full training on how to use it.