All the Names Behind Those Fatal Drug ODs
Narcan, My Brother Phil -- and a Prayer for More Saved Lives
Of my three siblings, the one who comes to my mind across the broadest spectrum of “triggers” is Phil. Today’s trigger: news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Narcan, the naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter, non-prescription sales.
In time, I plan to share more about Phil, particularly how our relationship has evolved over the years.1
But for now, in a far-too-tiny nutshell: he’s lived on the edge for decades. The most prominent edges I have in mind are “of society” and “of self-destruction.” Though he has had an apartment for nearly two years, Phil has been homeless for long stretches of time while consuming enormous quantities of alcohol and drugs – addictions that continue to have him in their grip.
Put simply, if you were to hear just a minute’s worth of Phil Stories, even the most non-spiritual among us would have to concede the miracle of this 56-year-old’s continued existence. One ingredient in that miracle concoction: Narcan, which Phil always carries with him. He’s used it to save one person’s life; it’s been administered twice to save Phil’s life, he has reported to me.
In 2021, nearly 300 Americans died daily from drug overdoses. I am cheered by the FDA’s over-the-counter Narcan thumbs-up today, because it will surely save more lives.
As I have often emphasized in my numeracy workshops, behind every statistic is a person or a group of people. That fatal OD stat encompasses individuals with loved ones, men and women (and, unimaginably, some children) with their own fascinating and heart-breaking histories. Every single one of them had a name.
If you haven’t been able to attach the statistic to anyone before, count yourself fortunate. No matter how close this topic hits home for you, maybe you can picture – and join me in support and prayer for – Phil.
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With his blessing. Today, when I asked him for the umpteenth time if it would be OK to share about him publicly, he quipped, “Make sure you spell my name right.”