Corrections_Today_May_June_2019

Office of Correctional Health

medication often used after surgery or in the treatment of cancer. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and for those unfamiliar or unaware of its potency, a “little goes a long way” and it becomes increasingly easier to overdose on a relatively small amount, as compared to heroin, for example. Given that an overdose can occur quickly, sometimes within min- utes, most law enforcement entities, especially first responders, carry Nal- oxone. Often known as the “opioid overdose antidote,” Naloxone is a safe medication and can restore breathing fairly quickly by temporarily block- ing the effects of opioids on the brain, which allows the victim to resume normal breathing. It is important to note that multiple doses may be re- quired, along with the administration of CPR. Emergency medical response protocols should be followed as the potential for the victim to cease breathing may occur. It is important to note that Nal- oxone does not treat addiction symptoms, it can merely revive. Once revived, the victim may be- come agitated and may try to seek drugs within a short period of time. Also, when Naloxone wears off, the victim may still have a dangerous amount of opioids in their system and will need medical attention. Conclusion This marks the end of Part 1 of the Combatting Synthetic Drugs in Correctional Settings series, which

provides an overview of the types of synthetic drugs that currently pose a danger to those entering and those already within corrections facilities. Part 2 will be featured in the next issue of Corrections Today and will delve into the specifics of contraband in prisons, staff protection, protective equipment and prevention strategies. Endnotes 1 Ward, M. (2017). K2 Problem Invades Texas Prisons. (www.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article) 2 Parks, P. (2013). Bath Salts and Other Synthetic Drugs. Reference Point Press. 3 Independent Democratic Conference. (2017). Corrections Without Protections: The Increasing Dangers Facing New York’s Boldest Officers. 4 American Addiction Centers. (2019). What is Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and How is it Abused? Laguna Treatment Hospital 5 Nolan, B. (2012). Are “Bath Salts” Just Hype? Psychology Today, October. 6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018a). Overdose deaths involving opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulants – United States, 2015–2016. MMWR 67 (12):349–358, http:// dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6712a1. 7 Liu L, Wheeler SE, Venkataramanan R, Rymer JA, Pizon AF, Lynch MJ, Tamama K (2018). Newly emerging drugs of abuse and their detection methods: an ACLPS critical review. Am J Clin Pathol 149 (2):105–116, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcp/aqx138. Randy Shively, Ph.D. is the director of research and clinical development at Alvis. Deborah G. Schult, Ph.D. is the assistant director of Health Services at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. John Caraway is the regional director of the South Central Region of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Often known as the “opioid overdose

and sleepiness. However, at greater opioid levels, respiration can become seriously compromised resulting in inadequate breaths that restrict oxygen to the brain. At its most toxic levels, opioids can lead to brain dam- age, coma and death. Suboxone is an approved drug used to treat opioid addiction under doctor-controlled care. However, it can sometimes be abused when used recreationally. The concern in any correctional environment is its poten- tial for abuse due to its desired effects on the body and the ease with which it can be hidden or disguised to avoid detection (e.g., absorbed into card- stock, hidden under stamps, etc.). Of considerable concern, both in the community and in corrections, is the addition of Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is mixed with other drugs. 7 Fentanyl is a legitimate, yet powerful pain antidote,” Naloxone is a safe medication and can restore breathing fairly quickly by temporarily blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, which allows the victim to resume normal breathing.

100 — May/June 2019 Corrections Today

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