Experiences of people who use drugs with naloxone administration: a qualitative study
Eleanor Rochester, Melissa Graboyes
Abstract
The United States is in the midst of an epidemic of opioid-related overdose deaths. In response, harm reduction programs commonly distribute the opioid antagonist naloxone directly to PWUD so that they can act as first responders when an overdose occurs. Naloxone reverses respiratory depression and can save the life of a person overdosing on opioids. Little research has been conducted about the lived experiences of PWUD who use naloxone, particularly their motivations for carrying it, their experiences serving as first responders to overdoses, and how new communities of care have sprung up around the widespread use of naloxone. To better understand the lived experiences of PWUD, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen syringe exchange participants who currently carry and/or have administered naloxone. In interviews, participants describe taking on the role of peer naloxone administrator as empowering, partially because it contrasts with the powerlessness they recounted in other areas of their lives. Peer administrators also use naloxone in a way that reinforces overdose care among people who use drugs. Future programs distributing naloxone to PWUD should be aware of its potential not only to save lives, but to increase participants’ self-confidence and strengthen the network of overdose care in their communities.