The U.S. opioid crisis continues to evolve. After heroin gave way to fentanyl, a new synthetic threat—nitazenes—has emerged, even more potent and deadly. Current responses, like naloxone and test strips, save lives but fail to prevent relapse. True progress demands prevention and awareness of treatments like naltrexone, which can help stop overdoses before they happen. Without prevention, overdose deaths will only rise.

Harm reduction is often associated with opioids, but alcohol misuse remains an even larger public health challenge. In this response to ‘Balance Your Buzz,’ Percy Menzies explores practical strategies for reducing risky drinking—ranging from disposable breathalyzers in bars to FDA-approved medications like naltrexone and The Sinclair Method.

💊 Did you know there’s a medication that can prevent opioid overdoses — and its biggest side effect is prolonging life? 👉 Check out this powerful article by Lantie Elisabeth Jorandby, M.D., DFAPA:🔗 Naltrexone: An old drug with one major side effect

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are known for treating diabetes and weight loss, but they may also reduce alcohol and opioid cravings. This could revolutionize addiction treatment—if history doesn’t repeat itself. Naltrexone, a safe, effective medication for alcohol use disorder, was approved in 1994 but never gained traction. It's time to raise awareness and give these medications the attention patients deserve.

In response to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy's renewal of the opioid public health emergency, Percy Menzies highlights key progress—and urges a bold next step: expanding access to naltrexone. With overdose deaths still claiming 150 lives a day, now is the time for practical, cost-effective solutions that build on what works.

Stigma keeps many from seeking help for substance use—and current treatment approaches may unintentionally fuel it. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine carry stigma due to their opioid nature and tight restrictions. It’s time to rethink treatment by investing in non-addictive, non-abusable options. Real change starts with real alternatives—and that’s how we begin to dismantle stigma for good.

Percy Menzies response to article on MedicalExpress.com :   Fentanyl vaccine heads for clinical trials, with goal of saving lives (...