The Boston Public Health Commission is planning to distribute anti-overdose kits containing an inhalant version of naloxone to opiate addicts, the Boston Globe reported Aug. 9.

Currently, paramedics and emergency rooms carry the drug, which blocks the effects of heroin and other opiates, but city officials are going a step further to counter a wave of heroin overdoses. New York, Chicago, and Baltimore already supply naloxone (Narcan) directly to addicts, who also receive training in how to use the drugs.

"The number-one hope with this is to save lives," said John Auerbach, executive director of the commission. "Our paramedics have said it's a miracle drug. They've seen people who are comatose who are then revived and perfectly fine."

Drug-related deaths in Boston rose 50 percent between 1999 and 2003; heroin was blamed for many of the 144 deaths reported in 2003.

A trial program of naloxone distribution is expected to win approval from the commission; the test project would begin this fall and run for about a year, enrolling an expected 100 addicts in the first six months. Addicts would also be given a chance to get treatment for their addictions.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino supports the program.