Police Officers and Drug Rehab Centers in Arkansas Use Opioid Overdose Antidote To Save Lives
The over-prescribing of opioid painkillers is fueling a nationwide opioid crisis that has resulted in over 165,000 overdose deaths throughout the last 15 years, according to the CDC. But an opioid overdose antidote drug is now playing a major role in saving the lives of thousands of opioid addicts across the U.S. This drug, called naloxone, is being used by law enforcement and drug rehab centers in Arkansas to prevent overdose deaths, and to give struggling opioid addicts another chance at achieving sobriety from opioids.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to heroin or opioids, get help right away before it’s too late. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about local rehab centers that can help you or your loved one overcome opioid dependence.
Increasing Access to Naloxone in Arkansas
Police officers in Arkansas can administer naloxone to those who overdose on opioids.
Arkansas recently held its annual Law Enforcement Summit at Camp Robinson to discuss the state’s opioid epidemic and the use of naloxone. At the meeting, Benton Police Chief Kirk Lane said his department used naloxone for the first time the previous weekend to save the life of a local man who had overdosed on opioids. Lane says that thanks to naloxone, the man they helped is alive and can now seek help for his addiction.
Naloxone is available as a nasal spray that can be sprayed directly into the nose of someone who has overdosed on heroin and other opioids such as oxycodone and fentanyl. The drug blocks the effects of opioids, and helps revive overdose victims immediately. Naloxone can be purchased for between $40 and $70, but Lane says he is working on getting naloxone kits free of charge for every police department throughout Arkansas.
Earlier this fall, Congress approved $37 million for states being hit the hardest by opioid addiction and overdose deaths. These funds will be used to treat and prevent opioid addiction, and to spread awareness throughout U.S. communities about the dangers and risks associated with addiction. Public health experts say the opioid epidemic is being caused by the over-prescribing of opioid painkillers and leading to heroin and opioid abuse — especially among younger Americans.
Treating Opioid Addiction at Arkansas Rehab Centers
Police officers who use naloxone to revive opioid overdose victims are encouraged to urge addicts to seek treatment at local rehab centers that specialize in opioid addiction. In many cases, opioid overdoses are accidental, especially when users have access to heroin that has been laced with more potent, deadly opioids such as fentanyl or carfentanil. Naloxone gives opioid addicts another chance at becoming healthier and clean at one of many rehab centers throughout the state.
After enrolling into opioid rehab, patients undergo detoxification to overcome dependence on opioids. Detox takes place in a safe, controlled environment so patients have 24/7 access to medical staff when withdrawal symptoms and cravings are at their worst. Alternately, patients can request medication-assisted treatment, which integrates the use of medications that help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid addicts who go to rehab centers often fare best with sobriety, since rehab centers eliminate temptations and distractions that can otherwise interfere with treatment. At rehab, opioid addicts can stop using heroin and opioids without experiencing severe pain or discomfort, and participate in counseling and therapy sessions that help them overcome addiction for good. Patients leave rehab feeling healthier, refreshed, and ready to face their new lives free of drug use.
Do you suffer from heroin or opioid addiction and live in Arkansas? Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to speak with an experienced addiction counselor who can discuss your rehab options. We’ll help you find drug rehab centers in Arkansas that offer medications and other treatments proven successful at helping you achieve lifelong sobriety.
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