Letters: The importance of opioid harm reduction

I am writing in response to the column written by Debra J. Saunders, entitled "Trap in opioid harm reduction."

First, opioid use does not only occur in "degraded cities." That sort of thinking belies the fact that opioid use occurs at all levels of society and in all cities in America.

Second, there is zero evidence that the availability of Narcan, an opioid antagonist that reverses overdoses, or the existence of safe injection sites increase opioid use.

We are all free to opine whether people should use substances or engage in addictive behaviors. Many people and religious groups have strong moral opposition to engaging with addictive substances or behaviors including drinking alcohol or gambling. However, for a certain percentage of people who do engage in potentially addictive behavior, changes in brain functioning over time will lessen their ability to abstain from a substance even though it risks their lives. For these people, the availability of Narcan, safe injection sites, or even suicide hotlines are important in keeping them alive until they enter recovery.

Third, Narcan has been used for decades and there is no evidence that people develop a tolerance to it.

Fourth, there is no evidence that Narcan causes brain damage, and certainly it will not cause as much damage as not breathing.

Fifth, the availability of Narcan does not encourage people to keep using. The euphoria people experience from their addiction, their fear of withdrawal and their inability to imagine a life without their substance all combine to keep them locked into the cycle of addiction. No one wants to be an addict.

Finally, if someone Ms. Saunders cared about was dying from an overdose, she would pray to God that Narcan was available, even if it were provided by an Eagle Scout.

Joseph Rosenfeld

Elgin