Using Naloxone to Revive Opioid Overdose Victims at Homes, Hospitals and Montana Drug Rehab Centers
Montana is one of three states remaining that lack comprehensive laws allowing residents easy access to naloxone at pharmacies. Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, is commonly used by first responders and Montana drug rehab centers that offer opioid addiction treatments.
In other states, naloxone is widely available for friends and family members of loved ones at risk for suffering an opioid overdose; in Montana, pharmacies either don’t carry the drug, or haven’t trained staff about how to administer the drug.
If you or someone you know is addicted to opioids and fear that an overdose could happen in the future, call our 24/7 helpline at 888-414-2380. We’ll help you find nearby rehab centers that can help you or your loved one safely become clean and avoid an overdose.
The Role of Naloxone In Saving Lives
Naloxone prevents opioid overdose and revives the user.
Recovering heroin addict Michael McNamara says he once overdosed on heroin in the bathroom at a theater and woke up minutes later surrounded by EMTs. McNamara says that thanks to naloxone, he was able to survive and share his story. Local news sources say McNamara’s story is one of many of its kind on behalf of the opioid crisis affecting the entire U.S.
Naloxone is a nasal spray that blocks opioids from reaching the brain’s receptors — stopping an overdose and reviving victims instantly. These individuals then have another chance at quitting opioid use and overcoming dependency and addiction at rehab centers. Since naloxone often causes victims to go immediately into withdrawal, victims often fare best from seeking addiction treatment right away to overcome dependency safely under medical supervision.
Christa Weathers, director of Open Aid Alliance in Missoula, says naloxone is relatively low in cost, isn’t addictive, and produces little to no negative side effects — making this drug an ideal weapon in combating opioid overdoses. Public health advocates in Montana are saying naloxone should be available to all opioid users, as well as to friends and family members in the event of an overdose. Since opioids are commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, not all opioid users are addicts, which is why many feel naloxone should be accessible to all residents.
Using Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction
Naloxone is one of several FDA-approved medications commonly used by hospitals, behavioral health clinics, and drug rehab centers to treat opioid addiction. Thanks to additional funding from Congress to combat opioid addiction, most rehab centers across the U.S. have more access to medication-assisted treatments proven highly effective at helping addicts stay clean. These medications, which include methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, help patients overcome dependency while minimizing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Many opioid addicts who try quitting on their own often experience painful and severe withdrawal symptoms, along with intense cravings. These individuals often relapse and go back to using opioids just to avoid pain and discomfort. But seeking addiction treatment at rehab allows addicts to stop using opioids in safe, comfortable environments without experiencing severe side effects.
If you’re addicted to opioids and live in Montana, call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your local rehab options. Our staff is devoted to helping you find Montana drug rehab centers that can offer you the individualized treatment you need to successfully overcome addiction and achieve sobriety.
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