Opioid Learning Lab and Drug Rehab Centers in Alabama Address State’s Opioid Epidemic
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley recently announced that the state has been chosen to participate in an opioid learning lab to fight the country’s current opioid epidemic.
Though Alabama ranked #1 in prescription opioid use in 2015, Governor Bentley says heroin use is also quickly on the rise. With help from drug rehab centers in Alabama, this effort can address the state’s opioid epidemic and reduce opioid overdose rates.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with trying to overcome opioid dependence, know that it’s never too late to get help. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your options for rehab centers that can help you combat opioid addiction and achieve sobriety.
Alabama’s Participation in the Opioid Learning Lab
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley announced that the state will be participating in the opioid learning lab.
The opioid learning lab, which is being led by the National Governors Association, aims to reduce the number of overdose deaths associated with heroin and opioid use. On average, 78 people die from an opioid overdose every single day in the U.S. The goal of the opioid learning lab is to allow state governors to develop innovative ideas that can help improve and end the country’s deadly drug epidemic.
Alabama organizations joining the opioid learning lab include the state’s Department of Mental Health, the Department of Public Health, Alabama’s Medicaid agency, the state court system, and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.
All parties will discuss barriers and solutions associated with overcoming the state’s opioid problem, including the amount of extra resources needed to expand access to drug rehab centers in Alabama that can help.
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic With Rehab
President Obama and administration recently secured millions in federal funding to address the country’s opioid epidemic. While Congress approved just a small percentage of the funding requested by Obama, the funds provided will still go a long way with helping states such as Alabama battle opioid addiction. The excess funding will be used on opioid addiction prevention, awareness efforts, and treatments for opioid addiction, such as those offered at drug rehab centers.
On behalf of the extra funding, state-funded drug rehab centers throughout Alabama now have more access to medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction. Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone can help addicts stop using opioids while reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patients who receive medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction often benefit from fewer relapses and long-term sobriety following rehab.
Additionally, rehab centers and first responders will have more access to naloxone, a drug that helps prevent death by opioid overdose. In many cases, individuals who overdose on synthetic opioids fentanyl or carfentanil may require several doses of naloxone for revival, or risk death. Those whose lives are saved by naloxone have another chance at becoming healthier and overcoming addiction, and can get help overcoming their addictions at drug rehab centers.
If you are struggling with opioid addiction and live in Alabama, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your treatment and rehab options. Our experienced treatment specialists will help you find drug rehab centers in Alabama that specialize in opioid addiction and can help you achieve sobriety for life.
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