What are key overdose prevention strategies beyond naloxone?

• A. Access to medication-assisted treatment
• B. Mandatory incarceration for overdose
• C. Limiting healthcare access
• D. Reducing public education

Answer: (A)

Access to medication-assisted treatment is a key strategy for preventing overdoses beyond naloxone. MAT uses medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or extended-release naltrexone, combined with counseling and medical care, to treat opioid use disorder. This approach reduces withdrawal and cravings, helps people stabilize their lives, and significantly lowers the risk of fatal overdose. It addresses the underlying addiction, improves engagement with healthcare and social services, and has strong evidence showing reduced mortality and better long-term outcomes compared to non-medication approaches. The other options don’t support prevention in the same proven way: mandatory incarceration for overdose does not reduce deaths and can worsen health and social outcomes; limiting healthcare access removes essential prevention and treatment opportunities; reducing public education lowers awareness and increases risk.