Date of Award

2025-05-01

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Criminal Justice

Advisor(s)

Leanne F. Alarid

Abstract

This study investigated the impact and community perceptions of Narcan® (naloxone) distribution in El Paso County, Texas, as a harm reduction strategy amid the ongoing opioid epidemic. Drawing from a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 368 participants comprised of opioid users, family members, first responders, and community members who engaged in Narcan® training facilitated by two nonprofit organizations. The study explored four main questions: perceptions of Narcan® among different community stakeholders, patterns of Narcan® administration, whether the availability of Narcan encouraged drug use, and its effectiveness in reducing overdose deaths. Findings revealed widespread support for Narcan® distribution, although some community members expressed concerns about the false sense of safety it may provide to users. The majority of users reported prior overdose experiences and Narcan® administration, often by peers or first responders. Despite some stigma and logistical challenges, the research underscored Naloxone's vital role in overdose prevention and suggested that broader community-based training and distribution may improve public health outcomes. Implications for policy, future research, and overdose intervention strategies are discussed.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

98 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Ryan Turner

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