Why it matters: The Department of Defense will begin tracking overdoses within the military and providing naloxone to service members starting in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This comes after a report by Rolling Stone exposed the lack of transparency and shoddy record-keeping regarding drug use and overdose deaths at Fort Liberty. Overdose is the second leading cause of death at Fort Liberty, and fentanyl-related deaths among military members doubled between 2017 and 2021.
What they are saying: Senator Edward Markey and other congressmen pushed for increased transparency, leading to the Pentagon admitting to the rise in fentanyl-related deaths among military personnel. The law requiring overdose tracking and naloxone distribution was signed by President Biden in December 2022. Professor Alex Bennett believes that tracking the data is a step in the right direction for addressing drug problems in the military.
The big picture: The military has historically not systematically tracked overdose deaths, but the recent report and pressure from Congress have brought attention to the issue. Fentanyl is often used in counterfeit prescription pills, leading to unintentional overdoses. The distribution of naloxone is expected to save lives, but the requirement for tracking its distribution may deter some service members from seeking it out.
What to watch: It will be important to monitor the Department of Defense’s implementation of the new law and the efficacy of tracking overdoses and distributing naloxone. Additionally, the military should consider implementing education programs on the dangers of fentanyl to prevent overdoses among service members.
My take: This article highlights the need for transparency and action regarding overdose deaths in the military. The new law is a positive step forward in addressing this issue and providing life-saving treatment. However, it is crucial that the military also focuses on education to prevent overdoses before they happen. Overall, tracking overdoses and distributing naloxone can help save lives and address the opioid crisis within the military.
