Barglow P. (2018). Commentary: The opioid overdose epidemic: Evidence-based interventions. The American journal on addictions, 27(8), 605–607. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12823 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30311993/ 

This article explores the three interventions targeting opioid overdose among justice-involved populations: (1) Demand Reduction counsels and educates patients and current or potential opioid users about risks and treatment options to reduce motivation to consume opioids. (2) Supply Reduction limits access and dosage of opioids and co-drugs such as benzodiazepines. It encourages use of safest prescribing practices for treating pain. (3) Harm Reduction reduces opioid deaths through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combining opioid substitution therapy (OST), provision of opioid antagonists like Naltrexone, and behavioral health services. The authors have concluded that although Harm Reduction is the safest, most effective single approach, combining three interventions while improving pain and addiction prescribing practices is optimal. This article is useful for program managers, advocates, and professionals working in corrections to expand their understanding of available treatment interventions for OUD. 

Bottom Line: Demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction are all useful interventions and are best when utilized together.