A Campaign by the Boston Medical Center to Inform the Public About Opioid Safety & Naloxone Use
The MOON Study stands for Maximizing OpiOid safety with Naloxone. The organizers of the Moon Study are running a “create a poster contest” for anyone that is talented, creative and motivated in making a difference in public health. The intent of the posters are to:
- Raise public awareness about opioid safety and overdose.
- Inform the public about obtaining naloxone.
The Importance of Awareness
One of the first steps in solving any problem is acknowledging there is a problem. We believe there are no rights or wrongs when treating a patient. Doctors should responsibly assess not just the present symptoms, but the long-term consequences when considering opioids as a treatment course. The goal should be providing individuals with the best possible quality of life. In addition to the overprescribing issue we face, there are many people who use opioids sans a prescription. Either way, there are risks involved in taking opioids improperly, including that of overdose.
Opioid Overdose
Opioids affect many parts of the brain including the region that regulates pulmonary function (breathing). An opioid overdose can cause the respiratory depression and, therefore, resulting in death.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication with a variety of medical applications, including reversing an opioid overdose. It acts as a competitive antagonist towards an opiate receptor. In other words, Naloxone works by pushing the opioid off the opioid receptors. It also blocks the receptor. When naloxone is used in a timely manner, in conjunction with basic life support assistance, it can reverse the overdose and allow the body to breathe again.
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Naloxone Safety
There is little to contend about the safety and efficacy of naloxone. For over 40 years, it has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid-induced respiratory depression. However, some refute that the potential danger is not in the antidote itself, but in how having an antidote might inadvertently increase opioid use. Since a “safety net” would now be available with an antidote in hand, some individuals may push their opioid use to the edge. With that said, it is better to have life-saving options available, than no options at all.
Contest Submission
The deadline for the MOON Study poster submission is Thursday, March 31, 2016. Please see this for details. We look forward to seeing the creative entries spreading awareness not only raises public awareness about opioid safety and overdose but also informing the public about obtaining naloxone.
Rapid Detox by the Waismann Method® is not affiliated with The Moon Study, nor Boston Medical Center.
