Angie Li | January 16th, 2025
Narcan, or naloxone, has become increasingly recognized over the years for its ability to reverse opioid overdose. Narcan works almost instantly by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. It has been relied upon as a life-saving medication in the opioid crisis, which claims the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year. Despite its vital role, a lingering question has surrounded Narcan’s presence, especially on college campuses: Could making Narcan widely available actually encourage riskier drug use?
This question has generated debate across the country. For some, the idea of widely accessible Narcan raises a red flag. Known as the “moral hazard” theory, this argument states that having Narcan readily available might encourage riskier opioid use, as users may assume that they will be “saved” if something goes wrong. The idea rests on the assumption that a safety net encourages more dangerous behavior — a viewpoint that has sparked public debate and skepticism towards harm reduction methods in place.
On Vanderbilt’s campus, Narcan is found in key locations like the Zerfoss Student Health Center and next to Vandy Blenz in Rand Dining Hall, making it accessible in the event of an emergency. However, Narcan’s impact is more complex than its availability. The reality is that Narcan doesn’t increase drug misuse; rather, it increases survival and offers individuals a life-changing opportunity to seek recovery.
When we take a closer look, research tells us a story grounded in data, not fear. Studies consistently show that Narcan’s availability does not lead to increased opioid misuse. One national study published in the National Institute of Health found that states that enacted laws to make naloxone more accessible had a 14% drop in overdose fatalities. Another comprehensive review published in the British Medical Journal examined the impact of overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs in Massachusetts. The findings revealed that communities with high implementation of OEND programs experienced a significant reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths compared to those with low or no implementation. Public health initiatives that include Narcan access, alongside education and support services, have shown to be highly effective at decreasing overdose deaths without encouraging misuse.
The “moral hazard” argument — that Narcan encourages riskier behavior — misses the reality of addiction, which is driven by compulsive behaviors, physiological dependency, and mental health struggles rather than calculated decisions about risk. Addiction is a chronic condition that often removes individuals’ capacity to weigh consequences in the rational way that the moral hazard theory assumes.
At Vanderbilt, Narcan kits are intentionally placed in high-traffic locations. The presence of Narcan on campus also opens the door for important conversations about addiction, stigma, and support. Initiatives like the Vanderbilt End Overdose organization provide not only Narcan training, but also education on addiction resources and the importance of a holistic approach to overdose prevention. Narcan’s presence on college campuses embodies a compassionate, proactive approach to overdose prevention.
Cover photo credit: Wolf, T. (2018) Governor Wolf Visits Dauphin County State Health Center to Receive Naloxone Kit as Part of Stop Overdoses in PA: Get Help Now Week [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/governortomwolf/45362765815. Licensed under CC-BY-2.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/#ref-appropriate-credit.
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