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Gautam Ghosh

National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India

Title: Averting increasing drug overdose in India

Biography

Biography: Gautam Ghosh

Abstract

Drug overdose is a growing public health concern in India among Opioid users, with repeated drug overdose and associated death requiring urgent action. The latest National Crime Records Bureau report indicated gradual rise in reported overdose death among drug users. Besides, recently media reported drug overdose deaths on the rise in the states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Adding to the fatal drug overdose, a recent study indicated growing number of non-fatal drug overdose in India, indicative of growing future opioid overdose related morbidity among drug users.   Aim and Methodology: This paper aims to understand the dimension of overdose incidences among drug users and the public health concerns that the issue poses for the country. Through review of recently published Government reports, study papers and media reports of the last five years, the article also attempts to suggest way forward to tackle the overdose related morbidity and mortality among drug users, given the fact that existing stigma over drug use and knowledge dearth on preventive intervention of drug overdose compound the problem. Conclusion & Way forward- Death following opioid overdose is preventable if the person receives basic life support and the timely administration of the opioid blocker drug. An important part of drug overdose prevention efforts is understanding the trends and regional and demographic differences that may exist, and thus strategize for both population and individual level interventions. There is general face validity of the concept that an ounce of prevention is better than cure. For India, the way forward for the purpose requires policy level thrust in the area of making available opioid antidote Naloxone all harm reduction targeted intervention and opioid substitution therapy centers, training of volunteers of specially launched National campaign in 272 vulnerable districts on recognizing overdose and providing fist aid measures, and scaling up opioid substitution therapy centers, among others.

Key words – opioid drugs, overdose, intravenous drug use, naloxone.

Key references-

  1. NCRB Report 2022: https://ncrb.gov.in/en
  2. Romil Saini, et al: (2019) Rates, knowledge and risk factors of non-fatal opioid overdose among people who inject drugs in India: A community-based study; Drug and Alcohol Review,Vol 39, Issue 1Pages 93-97; https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13016
  3. Magnitude of Substance Abuse in India:2019: https://socialjustice.gov.in
  4. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. South Asia Regional Profile. India: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; 2005. Available from: https://www.unodc.org/pdf/india/publications/south_Asia_Regional_ Profile_Sept_2005/10_india.pdf. [Last accessed on 2018 Sep 20].
  5. UNODC Executive Summary Report: https://www.unodc.org/pdf/india/drug_use