Drug Overdoses Deemed “Epidemic” in RI

At East Bay Center, our outpatient facility helps people manage their addiction(s) as an alternative to inpatient admission to a psychiatric hospital or drug rehabilitation center. This allows individuals to safely withdraw from an addictive substance while living with family members and continuing to function in school or a career – all while under medical supervision.

RI is experiencing a rapid rise in opiate drug overdoses this year that have many trying to determine why and what can be done to eliminate them. Although many of the deaths so far have been linked to a Fentanyl-laced Heroin product, any opiate, which is a common ingredient in prescription pain medications (such as Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, etc.) can also result in accidental overdose and/or death.

At a January 17th news conference, Department of Health Director Michael D. Fine reported on an apparent spike in the number of opiate-related overdoses, but was hopeful that the numbers were beginning to dip. Unfortunately at a February 14th update, DOH reported that as of that date, forty-five (45) people had died from overdoses, and that drug overdose was outpacing automobile accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the State. This is more than twice the number of people who have overdosed within the same time frame in 2012, and if the trend continues, RI stands to experience about three hundred sixty (360) deaths by the end of the year. These victims represent every day people - family members, friends, neighbors, and/or co-workers.

As an organization licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH), East Bay Center Inc., is enacting emergency training and treatment standards so that staff and clients are more aware of the dangers of these opiate and opiate-derivative drugs, and what emergency intervention strategies can be enacted to save individuals who may overdose. Two of EBC’s substance abuse clinical managers will be attending “train the trainer” sessions, sponsored by BHDDH and Miriam Hospital and the end of February, with the goal to have all clinical and administrative staff trained in recognition and intervention strategies by the end of April.

One strategy, which has strong support from DOH, advocacy groups, BHDDH, treatment providers, and the RI General Assembly is making the medication, Naloxone (or Narcan), widely available to anyone involved with an individual who is taking opiates (medications or drugs). Naloxone is what is called an “opiate antagonist”, which can be very effective in reversing an overdose in progress when administered by injection or nasal spray. The medication works within three (3) to five (5) minutes to reverse respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Walgreens Pharmacy has entered into an agreement with the State to make the medication available without prescription, and local and state police cruisers will be issued doses of Naloxone to have on hand when responding to calls.

Another facet to intervention is the State’s Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act (RIGL 21-28.8), which offers a release from liability for a person to administer an opioid antagonist (like Naloxone or Narcan) to another person if “he or she, in good faith, believes the other person is experiencing a drug overdose, and he or she acts with reasonable care in administering the drug to the other person”. The Act also provides immunity from legal repercussions for any person, who in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose or other drug-related medical emergency. The Act also currently provides some leniency against prosecution for certain drug-related crimes if the evidence for the charge was gained as a result of the overdose and the need for medical assistance, but is subject to re-evaluation on an annual basis by the Attorney General.

Saving lives should always be a priority and EBC will continue to do its part to educate consumers and the community as this epidemic unfolds.

Access to Care When You Need It:

East Bay Center clinicians are always available by scheduled appointment or through the Center’s “Walk-in” model of care to assist adults, children, and their families through any number of complicated issues. Conveniently located in East Providence on the Wampanoag Trail – help is just around the corner. We encourage you to visit our website at www.eastbay.org for information regarding services, employment, locations, etc. To speak to someone regarding services or to schedule an appointment, please call 401-246-1195 and ask for “Intake”.