Canberra pharmacist sees addiction patients living into their 60s with naloxone
Naloxone, a free overdose reversal drug, is helping addiction patients in Canberra live longer and healthier lives, according to pharmacist Chris Lawler.
Chris Lawler, a Canberra pharmacist, has worked for two decades with vulnerable people battling addiction. In recent years, naloxone has transformed what he sees in his patients.
The drug reverses opioid overdoses by blocking opioids from reaching brain receptors. Patients are now living past 50 or 60.
They are being treated for other long-term conditions like blood pressure and cholesterol issues, something Lawler rarely saw before. The federal government started paying for naloxone through pharmacies in 2022.
A pilot showed it was reversing at least three overdoses a day. About 1.4 million units have been given free to Australians since then.
Naloxone is now in first aid kits across the ACT. Lawler's patients regularly ask for replacement nasal sprays after using them.
Research shows providing naloxone does not encourage more drug use.
- At least 3 per day
- Overdoses reversed daily
- 1.4 million across Australia
- Free naloxone units distributed
- About 1100 people
- Addiction population in ACT
- 2022
- Start of federal subsidy
Why it mattersNaloxone is preventing deaths and giving people with addiction a real chance at longer, more stable lives with access to other health care.
AustraliaAustralians struggling with opioid addiction can now access free naloxone through pharmacies, directly reducing overdose deaths and supporting recovery.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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