Frauger, Elisabeth
Naloxone in France: Preventing opioid overdoses through innovative programs
- 2025.
16
In France, according to the DRAMES and DTA pharmaco-surveillance systems, the majority of drug-related deaths involve opioids. Naloxone, the antidote for opioid overdoses, has been used in medical settings since the 1970s. Since 2016, take-home naloxone (THN) has been available. Naloxone remains underutilized for several reasons, including lack of awareness about naloxone among certain professionals and users, limited access, stigma, and ignorance about overdose risks. In this context, it is important to support professionals in setting up naloxone programs to raise awareness among users and their support networks about overdose risks and the proper use of naloxone. This article first describes the different forms of THN in France and then offers guidance to addiction professionals in how to structure such programs. To illustrate this, the actions of the POP program (Prevention and risk reduction of opioid-related overdoses in the PACA region) are described in detail.