Easington MP learns to use lifesaving anti-drugs overdose medication

Easington MP Grahame Morris has learned how to use Naloxone, a life-saving medication which can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Mr Morris was shown how to use the medication when WithYou, a drug, alcohol and mental health charity, hosted a pop-up event in Parliament demonstrating treatment and explaining the importance of the charity's work.

Opioid-related deaths make up the largest proportion of drug-related deaths across England and Wales. In 2022, the highest rate of drug-poisoning deaths was observed in the North East, with 332 registered. The North East has also had the highest rate of drug-poisoning deaths for the past 10 years.

READ MORE:‘Nothing is impossible’ - Paralympic hero’s fundraising plea as he embarks on new challenge

READ MORE:Ukrainian fleeing war opens new 'speakeasy' barbershop in Durham

Grahame Morris said: "Naloxone is a crucial, life-saving treatment that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Learning to administer Naloxone nasal spray is straightforward, accessible, and doesn’t require any medical expertise.

"I am pleased legislation will help expand access to take-home supplies of Naloxone, ensuring more services and organisations can hold this life-saving treatment without the need for a prescription.

"This not only benefits those struggling with drug addiction, but also individuals with chronic health conditions who are prescribed opioid pain medication, providing an extra layer of safety for anyone at risk of accidental overdose."

Advocates says the medication is easy to administer, affordable, has no potential for misuse and if it is given to someone who has not taken an opioid will not cause harm. It is carried in a small kit which can be easily stored, carried and administered by people with minimal training.

Robin Pollard, Head of Policy and Influencing at WithYou said: “Every death from drug use is a tragedy. With the right support, many of the people who have overdosed could still be alive today. The reasons behind this public health crisis are deep-rooted and complex, but these deaths are not inevitable - and we must not stand back and accept them.

“In May, the last Government announced plans to enable more professionals to supply Naloxone without a prescription. This would include our outreach workers, who regularly work with the people most at risk of overdose. We’re pleased to see the new Government support these changes and we would like to see these regulations come into force as soon as possible, so organisations like ours can save more lives."

WithYou, which operates across England and Scotland, runs a free, confidential webchat service which offers expert advice on issues relating to drugs, alcohol and mental health. To access it and find out more about support in your area, please visit their website.