Drug saves heroin addicts

The drug naloxone saves heroin addicts from overdose and it is advisable for these addicts to have naloxone with them for life saving emergencies, according to doctors at the National Addiction center at London.

Naloxone, is routinely given by doctors, during emergency resuscitation following narcotic overdose.

After giving 124 drug users in Berlin, Germany, training in emergency resuscitation with the aid of the injectable drug naloxone, the researchers report on the experiences of 22 addicts who had an opportunity to put their newfound skills to use. These 22 study participants put their training to the test on 34 occasions. Scientists reported in 10% of cases naloxone had saved lives. Only in one instance was the drug used inappropriately. No adverse reactions were reported and early results were encouraging.

The doctors are now studying the uses of “take home” naloxone and argue for its wider distribution.