Nancy D. Campbell, "OD: Naloxone and the Politics of Overdose" (MIT Press, 2020)

Nancy D. Campbell, "OD: Naloxone and the Politics of Overdose" (MIT Press, 2020)

Ever wondered how a single drug can transform the landscape of overdose prevention? In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction, and Recovery', host Marshall Poe chats with Nancy D. Campbell about her book, 'OD: Naloxone and the Politics of Overdose'. Campbell takes us on a journey through the fascinating history of naloxone, a drug that has become a beacon of hope in the fight against overdose deaths.

Once considered an unmentionable topic, overdose is now seen as a preventable tragedy, thanks to naloxone's remarkable ability to reverse its effects. Campbell's deep dive into the subject reveals how naloxone moved from emergency rooms to being a staple in harm reduction kits across the globe. She shares stories from post-Thatcherite Britain to rural New Mexico, illustrating naloxone's widespread impact.

This episode isn't just about the science; it's about the social movement that turned naloxone into a symbol of empowerment and change. Campbell also discusses the broader implications of harm reduction and the slow but steady progress in the United States. If you're curious about how one molecule can change lives, this episode is a must-listen.