Experts in the News

Despite its new prescription free status, inconsistencies in policy towards Narcan placement and availability in pharmacies is limiting public access. “This is the opposite of what is supposed to be occurring," Harris said. "When you put something behind the counter, it automatically makes people less likely to ask for it. It makes them think they need a prescription to ask for it." 

Before fentanyl’s rise, overdose deaths were more limited to opioid and heroin users, fellow Katharine Neill Harris explains. But now, the risk has broadened to non-regular drug users, like someone trying cocaine for the first time or buying counterfeit drugs.

Sen. John Cornyn has made the fentanyl crisis a priority, pushing policies to crack down on supply. But such policies have a limited impact on drug abuse and divert resources from preventive programs and treatment, says fellow Katharine Neill Harris.

Stigma around Xylazine stops people from seeking help, fellow Katharine Neill Harris explained. Health care providers at all levels need to be aware of the problem so “people don’t feel so ashamed that they kind of hide and don’t get the help that they need.”

Increasing criminal penalties for fentanyl won't solve the problem of overdose, fellow Katharine Neill Harris says. “It doesn’t address the issue because it doesn’t address demand, and as long as there is a demand for the drug, there will be a supply for it.”