Three out of five New Mexicans know someone with an opioid use disorder

SANTA FE – August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, an event to remember loved ones who have died from drug overdose and learn about prevention strategies. It is also a time to encourage support and recovery for everyone impacted by substance use and overdose.

Knowing what to do if someone is having an overdose can help prevent loss of life.

"For many New Mexicans, this issue reaches close to home,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth). "International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to renew our commitment to preventing these tragic deaths. We can all help prevent fatal overdose by knowing the signs and how to respond quickly." 

Since 2019, annual survey data collected for NMHealth has consistently shown that a majority of New Mexico adults know someone with an opioid use disorder. In the U.S. more than 1 in 5 people (21.9%) who died from an overdose had a reported mental health disorder; the most common disorders were depressive (12.9%), anxiety (9.4%), and bipolar (5.9%).

"We recognize International Overdose Awareness Day to acknowledge the impact overdoses have on our lives and communities," said Nick Boukas, HCA Behavioral Health Services Director. "Many of our programs focus on prevention and treatment of substance use and this day reminds us of the positive impact our work has made for so many people."

Naloxone, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, has been one of the most effective harm reduction tools in keeping overdoses from becoming fatal. In 2017, New Mexico became the first state to require all local and state law enforcement agencies to provide officers with naloxone.

NMHealth offers naloxone free to New Mexicans in two ways: 

In person: NMHealth Public Health Offices & community health programs. Find the site closest to you: NMHIVGuide.org
Online mail-order shipped directly to you. Order naloxone: NMHarmReduction.org.

People can get naloxone from the pharmacist using their insurance although this may require a co-pay. Naloxone is also available over the counter in pharmacies.

In addition to increasing the availability of naloxone, NMHealth has expanded its successful Pathways program, which offers medication assisted treatment (MAT) to individuals with an opioid use disorder. More than 30 public health offices now offer treatment with buprenorphine, more commonly known as suboxone, at little or no cost. Learn more at pathwaysnm.org.

Buprenorphine is safe when taken as prescribed and reduces cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms for individuals. Treatment and recovery services are also available through NMHealth at Turquoise Lodge in Albuquerque and the NM Rehabilitation Center in Roswell.

Visit NMHarmReduction.org to learn more. Call NMHealth’s Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) to find opioid resources and services near you. 

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