Resolution 55/7. Promoting measures to prevent drug overdose, in particular opioid overdose

Reiterating the commitments made in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961,48 in the preamble to which the parties to the Convention expressed concern for the health and welfare of mankind; recognition that the medical use of narcotic drugs continues to be indispensable for the relief of pain and suffering and that adequate provision must be made to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs for medical purposes; and recognition that addiction to narcotic drugs constitutes a serious evil for individuals and is fraught with social and economic danger to mankind,

Understanding that opioid overdose treatment, including the provision of opioid receptor antagonists such as naloxone, is part of a comprehensive approach to services for drug users and can reverse the effects of opioids and prevent mortality.

1. Encourages all Member States to include effective elements for the prevention and treatment of drug overdose, in particular opioid overdose, in national drug policies, where appropriate, and to share best practices and information on the prevention and treatment of drug overdose, in particular opioid overdose, including the use of opioid receptor antagonists such as naloxone;

2. Requests the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, subject to the availability of extrabudgetary resources and upon the request of and in collaboration with Member States, to collect and circulate available best practices on the prevention and treatment of and emergency response to drug overdose, in particular opioid overdose, including on the use and availability of opioid receptor antagonists such as naloxone and other measures based on scientific evidence.