PROVIDING NARCAN TO ADDICTS SHOULD BE WEIGHED CAREFULLY

Junkies are axiomatically irresponsible. Most do not, however, wish to die.

That is why it may be a good idea for officials in Portland to distribute
Narcan, which reverses the effects of narcotics overdoses, to addicts here.

The drug, dramatically used in the movie "Pulp Fiction" to save the life of
an addict in the throes of an overdose, works. Paramedics in Portland
already carry it, and have had excellent results.

City officials plan to meet July 17 to discuss making the drug available to
drug users. The issue is pressing: Already this year, there have been more
than 200 drug overdoses in Portland, 18 of which were fatal.

Providing addicts with Narcan is an interesting proposition, but one that
should be entered carefully. If officials distribute the drug, they should
do so carefully, after ensuring it will do more good than harm. They should
look, too, at the Narcan experiences of other cities.

Addicts and those around them are understandably reluctant to call police
or paramedics when they overdose. If drug users had Narcan, they would be
in a better position to save lives.

Certainly, no one should get Narcan without some training in how to use it.
That training could become an opportunity for addicts to receive additional
counseling to help them overcome their dependence.

It is encouraging that Portland officials are considering techniques to
reduce the damage that accompanies drug abuse. Harm reduction techniques
such as needle exchanges and Narcan are proven to save lives - and do not
encourage anyone to use illegal drugs.

Coupled with increased educational efforts and opportunities to provide
addicts with treatment, harm reduction is a powerful tool.