Preventing opioid overdoses in Europe: A critical assessment of known risk factors and preventative measures

This report is the outcome of a project into opioid overdoses. The remit was to focus on finding practical methods of overdose prevention. In order to fulfil this remit, a critical review of existing knowledge on overdose prevention was conducted. The report adds value to existing information by developing a methodology to classify and analyse risk and protective factors stratified by those involved (drug users, observers and organisations). The report then assesses the extent to which risk and protective factors can be potentially modified at different levels, e.g. individual, treatment setting, organisational and strategic. The report therefore has the potential to be updated as new information emerges.

As a result of the review, we have attempted to draw out practical measures and interventions that could reduce the likelihood of overdose being fatal, especially within the European context. In addition, we had the opportunity to filter the findings of the review through a Scottish expert group. The group included a wide range of professional groups who had day-to-day frontline experience of managing drug misusers and overdose.

There are limitations which should be noted. This was not a comprehensive or systematic review (these may be found elsewhere). The studies we considered took place in relatively few countries, e.g. UK, Australia, North America. The expert group was ad-hoc and geographically specific; other groups might have come to different conclusions.

The views expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the EMCDDA.

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