Narcan not enough
A bad batch of heroin is going around the area, forcing the use of Narcan – if those who overdosed are lucky enough to be administered the antidote in time. On Sunday night, three deaths were reported in Washington County, and at last count, 17 total overdoses were reported.
But the administration of Narcan to those who need it is simply not enough. If police arrive on the scene and there are no drugs or paraphenalia on or near the person – either because they consumed it all or because someone cleaned it up and discarded it – police can’t charge the overdose victim with possession. The victims are not required to go to the hospital after being administered Narcan, though it is strongly encouraged. And, once the person is in the hospital, rehabilitation is not required – though, again, is strongly suggested.
We need to do more to fix the heroin epidemic than just offer an antidote.
For far too many, almost overdosing or being arrested on charges of theft or possession is not a wake up call. We’ve noticed many names in the police beat show up in the obituaries weeks or months later.
Rehabilitation centers are full, meaning those that seek treatment might not be able to receive it. Other people spend a few days or weeks in jail, only to be released back on to the streets, eagerly seeking their next fix.
No, Narcan isn’t enough. The system is failing those who suffer from addiction, as well as those who are attempting to self medicate mental problems with drugs.
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to pen this editorial.
In an almost perfect world, those who are revived with Narcan would be sent to a long-term rehabilitation facility where they would have to successfully complete treatment in order to be released.
It’s time for legislators to create and enforce stronger penalties and policies that will allow more rehabilitation centers to open, because we are obviously in need.