Naloxone Use on the Rise, but Barriers Remain

The opioid crisis continues to claim lives, but recent data highlights a promising shift in public response. A study by Gage et al. reveals a 43.5% increase in layperson-administered naloxone (LAN) from June 2020 to June 2022, despite a 6.1% decrease in EMS-administered naloxone during the same period. Naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is increasingly being used by bystanders, often before emergency services arrive.
However, significant gaps remain. While layperson use has risen, only 3.4% of all naloxone administrations were performed by non-professionals, leaving a substantial portion of potential interventions unrealized. This underscores the need to address barriers preventing more widespread use of naloxone.
Common misconceptions include underestimating the risk of overdose, fearing legal repercussions, and believing naloxone is unnecessary unless one uses opioids. Yet, naloxone is safe, easy to administer, and has no harmful effects if used unnecessarily. It is also widely accessible, with nasal spray formulations available in many communities for free or at low cost.
Public health efforts must continue to educate the public, normalize naloxone use, and address stigma to ensure that more lives are saved. The rise in layperson-administered naloxone is a step in the right direction, but the fight against the opioid crisis is far from over.

Published: 6/14/2025