People who are dependent upon opioid based drugs – such as heroin, methadone and morphine –and under the care of the Island’s Mental Health Service are being offered a new facility to help prevent drug related deaths due to accidental overdose.

The medicine naloxone, also known as Prenoxad, is an emergency antidote that counteracts the effects of opioid based drugs by reversing their life-threatening effects such as breathing difficulties.

Patients must be trained in administering naloxone.  A week-long training programme provided by the Drug and Alcohol Team (DAT) was recently completed, with a group of 32 patients and their ‘significant others’ – whether a relative or friend – being the first to join the Take Home Naloxone (THN) programme. The programme saw six training sessions of small groups spread out over the week at venues in Douglas, Port Erin and Ramsy.

As well as practical training on administering naloxone by injection, the programme aims to raise awareness of overdose prevention and provide education on the signs and symptoms of overdose, calling an ambulance, and basic life support.

It is hoped the first cohort of patients and ‘significant others’ can serve as ‘champions’ for the programme and encourage other patients, their friends and associates to also undertake this life-saving training.