New study investigates the impact of former Oregon measure that decriminalized drug possession
False claims that harm reduction tools like Narcan “enable” drug use resurface.
False claims that harm reduction tools like Narcan “enable” drug use resurface.
In the past week, most online conversation about opioids focused on a recent study that found that Oregon’s 2020 measure decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs was not associated with an increase in overdose deaths. Earlier this year, Oregon’s governor signed a bill that rolls back this measure, which went into effect on September 1. The study also warned about the dangers of fentanyl, and social media users discussed its findings across multiple platforms.
Plus, a video showing people allegedly overdosing on opioids and an article reporting that Narcan will be available on University of Arizona’s campus prompted debate about the effectiveness of harm reduction tools, and some social media users falsely claimed that harm reduction tools increase overdose deaths.
In light of these discussions, public health communicators may recirculate information about fentanyl and overdose prevention tools like naloxone. Continuing to reiterate that harm reduction programs do not enable drug use is recommended.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about opioids
A new study found that Oregon’s 2020 measure decriminalizing drug possession was not associated with an increase in overdose deaths in the two years following its enactment “when accounting for the spread of fentanyl,” which the authors note is critical since fentanyl is involved in the majority of fatal overdoses. Within a day of its publication, the study spread across multiple social media platforms. On Reddit, many users discussed the dangers of fentanyl, and some questioned what will happen now that Oregon has restored criminal penalties for drug possession. Others said the public needs more education about how fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs and increase the risk of overdose.
On September 5, a video of two people in California seemingly overdosing on opioids circulated on X. In the video, a man tries to keep another man awake and shouts at a harm reduction worker nearby who is handing out Narcan. He accuses the harm reduction worker of “giving him these drugs” and asks, “Why aren’t you helping?” The harm reduction worker says that shaking the man who is overdosing won’t help him, but Narcan will. The X post wrote that while the man “heroically works to keep multiple people ODing on the sidewalks alive, he is harassed by one of the taxpayer funded ‘harm reduction’ Karens that spends her day enabling drug addicts.” The post received approximately 41,700 views, 650 likes, 330 reposts, and 70 comments as of September 11. Many comments falsely claimed that harm reduction “enables” drug use.
An Arizona news website recently reported that Narcan will be available in emergency cabinets across the University of Arizona campus this year. The outlet shared the article on its Facebook page with the text, “What do you think?” The post received approximately 470 likes, 20 shares, and 240 comments as of September 11. Comments largely agreed that providing Narcan on university campuses saves lives, but many stressed that university employees and students must be trained to use it properly. A few comments said universities should not provide Narcan, claiming it makes drug use “socially acceptable.”
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Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about opioids.
When responding to conversations about fentanyl, messaging may emphasize that fentanyl is a potent opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine and that it’s responsible for the majority of overdose deaths in the U.S. Fentanyl is often unknowingly mixed with other drugs. Sharing where people can purchase fentanyl test strips and explaining how to use them—if they’re legal in your state—is recommended.
Conversations about naloxone allow communicators to recirculate materials explaining where people can access naloxone and how to use it. This messaging is especially important for health departments, community organizations, and other partners that serve college students. Sharing local or online trainings that teach people how to properly use naloxone is recommended. Messaging may explain that naloxone can be administered by any bystander and that many states have laws protecting people who are overdosing and those assisting them from certain legal penalties.
The false claim that harm reduction programs enable drug use frequently appears in conversations, so continued debunking is recommended. Research shows that harm reduction programs like syringe services programs do not increase drug use or crime. These programs have been shown to prevent overdose deaths and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.