Opioid Overdose Antidote Now Available at Walgreens and Rehab Centers in Illinois
Walgreens has announced that an opioid overdose antidote called naloxone will now be available without a prescription in its pharmacies throughout Illinois. Up until now, the nasal spray had only been available to those with prescriptions, and at rehab centers in Illinois that treat opioid addiction. Increased access to naloxone could help prevent opioid overdoses from occurring at home, and outside of rehab and addiction treatment facilities.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to heroin or another opioid drug, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your treatment options. Our caring treatment specialists will help you find rehab centers in Illinois that can help you overcome addiction.
Increased Access to Naloxone
Naloxone can be purchased at Walgreens, Mariano’s, and Meijers pharmacies in Illinois.
Naloxone is a two-dose nasal spray that restores breathing in those overdosing on opioid drugs. The drug has been available to healthcare professionals since the 1970s, but is increasingly being used given the country’s current opioid drug epidemic. Though naloxone can help prevent death by allowing addicts a chance to seek treatment, some argue that naloxone is being used as a safety net by those taking advantage of the drug’s antidote effects.
In addition to being available at Walgreens without a prescription, naloxone is available at all Mariano’s and Meijers pharmacies in Illinois. Mariano’s released a statement that said its pharmacists aimed to provide naloxone to those who would benefit most from the drug. For instance, naloxone would be available to school nurses, first responders, and people at risk for overdosing.
Illinois is the 20th state to offer naloxone without a prescription. The nasal spray costs $78 at Walgreens, and is currently being rolled out at Mariano’s and Meijer locations throughout Illinois. CVS will also be joining these pharmacies in offering naloxone without a prescription later this fall.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction
In 2014, over 1,700 people died in Illinois from drug overdoses, 60% of which involved opioids. Opioid drugs are commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain. Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl attach to opioid receptors throughout your body, and reduce your perception of pain.
Opioids also bind to the opioid receptors in your brain associated with reward. Since opioids induce euphoric highs, its users may start taking more opioids than prescribed to increase their high and feel more satisfied. Many times, opioid overdoses are unintentional, and happen when users take too high a dose to maintain ongoing euphoria.
At opioid rehab centers, patients go through medication-assisted detoxification to help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is available to help prevent death by overdose, while methadone and buprenorphine allow patients to overcome addiction safely and as comfortably as possible without experiencing euphoric highs.
Increasing availability to drugs that treat addiction can help lower Illinois’ overdose death rates. Now, friends and family members of those who abuse heroin and other opioids can obtain a drug that could save their loved one’s life. If someone you know is abusing opioid drugs, know about your options when it comes to accessing naloxone.
To learn more about rehab centers in Illinois that can help you overcome addiction and achieve lifelong sobriety, call our helpline at 888-414-2380. Our treatment specialists are available to discuss your rehab and treatment options, and to guide you on the path to wellness, happiness, and a drug-free life.
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