Saving Lives from Overdose Deaths
Since the early 2000s, the rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States has more than doubled. Overdose deaths are currently at record levels, with more than 60 percent of these deaths due to opioid use, primarily prescription pain relievers and heroin. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the United States is facing the worst drug overdose epidemic in its history.
In an effort to reduce the death toll from the use of opioids, New Mexico passed the first Naloxone Access Law in 2001. Under this law, trained responders, such as police and firefighters, were authorized to administer an opioid antagonist (naloxone) if they believed that someone was experiencing a drug overdose. The law also said that private citizens who administer opioid antagonists would not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution.
Since 2001, 44 additional states and the District of Columbia have adopted naloxone access laws, which allow laypersons to administer and distribute naloxone without fear of legal repercussions.
New Mexico was also the first state to pass a Good Samaritan Law. Under this law, individuals who seek medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose would not be charged or prosecuted.
Since 2007, 33 additional states and the District of Columbia have followed suit, although some Good Samaritan laws are stronger than others. For instance, in 23 states the law provides immunity from prosecution for possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to immunity from prosecution for possession of a controlled substance.
The adoption of a Naloxone Access law is associated with a 9% to 11% reduction in opioid-related deaths (removing criminal liability for possession of naloxone is associated with a 13% reduction in opioid-related deaths). Good Samaritan laws reduce opioid-related deaths involving alcohol.
