Since the beginning of the new millennium, heroin-related deaths have nearly quadrupled in the U.S. Obviously, increased police presence hasn’t helped nor has risen the incarceration rate of addicts. The problem of helping drug addicts in America has to be approached in a medicinal manner. After all, addicts are humans. Sick humans who should be given proper medicine. Fortunately, Walgreens has come forth to provide a viable solution to combat this tragedy.
WALGREENS INITIATES NATIONAL EFFORT TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE
Unseen by previous retailers, pharmacy giant Walgreens has decided to wage war on drug abuse by providing a unique service. Their service does not seek to punish or prevent, but to simply help. The effort can be seen physically in their retail stores. Walgreens aims to install medication disposal bins in over 500 of its drugstore in thirty-two different states. The route of many heroin addicts start with the abusing of medications. With these medications lying around, children and adults are more prone to using them. By providing these bins, users can properly dispose of harmful drugs like opioids in order to lower their chance of addiction and moving on to heroin.
NALOXONE TO REVERSE THE EFFECTS OF HEROIN
In addition to their bins, Walgreens will start making Naloxone readily available to those without a prescription. Naloxone is an effective drug that can reverse the effects of heroin during an overdose. It can be administered through injection or with a nasal spray. At the moment, this can only be available to non-prescription holders in 35 states due to certain laws. In states with strict rules regarding prescription, Walgreens has expressed interest in aiding lawmakers to reverse these restrictions.
A BIG WIN IN LEAU OF A TRAGEDY
It’s rather a shame that so many people had to suffer before a move like this was made. Walgreens drive towards progress is something everyone should admire. Hopefully, it will inspire other pharmacies to follow in their path. 6.5 million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2014, with the numbers rising. Many of these addictions start at home as users then move on to harder drugs like heroin. By solving this problem in the early stages, the advanced repercussions can dealt with accordingly.
