WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab Shares Measures to Prevent Opioid Misuse In Honor of International Overdose Awareness Day

Fort Myers, Florida -

Fort Myers, FL - WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, a premier addiction treatment center with locations throughout Florida, is an organization on the front lines of the opioid crisis. Every day, their specialists work to undo the damage caused by opioid addiction one patient at a time.

In addition to providing effective treatment, WhiteSands is also providing education highlighting the dangers of opioid misuse and how to prevent opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose.

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day which serves to commemorate the hundreds of thousands of lives lost to drug overdoses each year and to acknowledge the profound grief of friends and families who have lost loved ones to overdose. The awareness day also promotes public awareness and encourages the sharing of resources to promote overdose prevention.

The opioid crisis has reached mass proportions in the U.S. In 2020 opioid-related overdose deaths reached 69,710, up from 50,963 in 2019. Additionally, the synthetic opioid fentanyl has infiltrated the illegal drug supply to the extent that it’s responsible for 70 percent of cocaine overdose deaths and 50 percent of methamphetamine deaths.

Overdose Awareness Day participants aim to educate the public on this national health crisis and spread the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable. By disseminating knowledge on the dangers and repercussions of opioid misuse, WhiteSands hopes to help people prevent misusing opioids in the first place.

The common misconception that prescription medications don’t do as much harm as illicit drugs is simply not true. In fact, prescription medication can be much more habit-forming and addictive than many illicit drugs and prescription medications often lead to illicit drug abuse and addiction.

In their article, WhiteSands reminds anyone taking prescription opioids that they should take these medications exactly as prescribed. Patients should talk to their doctor about how to safely manage pain and they should attend regular follow up appointments to ensure the medication is still required. People should never take anyone else's prescription, and opioids should never be combined with alcohol or other drugs. All prescriptions should be stored safely out of reach of children.

Anyone taking opioids, whether prescription or illicit, should also have the overdose reversal drug Narcan (naloxone) on hand. Narcan can be purchased at pharmacies across the country without a prescription and is covered by most insurances. It's administered as a nasal spray and requires no special training to learn to use it. Studies show that Narcan is extremely effective at preventing opioid overdose when it gets into the hands of the people who need it.

For anyone currently struggling with addiction to opioids or any substance, WhiteSands is also sharing the message of hope that help is available. Addiction is a treatable disease and recovery is always possible. WhiteSands was recently ranked the number one addiction treatment center in Florida by Newsweek magazine for the second year in a row. Their ranking as a top-performing facility across the U.S was thanks in part to their board-certified psychiatrists, registered nurses, and highly-qualified and certified clinical staff. Their wide range of treatment programs and amenities offered also played a role. WhiteSands’ inpatient facility spans over a 10-acre campus and features private rooms, a recreation center and athletic complex, as well as offering a full-range of comprehensive levels of care.

To speak with a WhiteSands treatment specialist call (877) 640-7820 anytime day or night or visit www.whitesandstreatment.com to learn more.