Naloxone is an opioid overdose antidote that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. If you struggle with heroin or opioid addiction, or take prescription painkillers for chronic pain management, having access to naloxone could end up saving your life. Naloxone is commonly used by first responders such as law enforcement and fire and rescue teams, but will soon be available to everyone in nearly all states at select pharmacies.

Are you struggling with opioid addiction and aren’t sure where to get help? Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to learn more about drug rehab centers that can help you overcome opioid addiction.

If you or someone you love uses opioids and is at risk for an opioid overdose, here are five ways to obtain naloxone and prevent an overdose.

1. Talk To Your Doctor

Some physicians prescribe naloxone if you or your loved one use prescription painkillers, or are at risk for suffering an opioid overdose. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more about your options for obtaining a prescription for naloxone.

2. Contact Local Pharmacies

Many states now have laws that allow you to purchase naloxone from participating pharmacies with or without a prescription. Contact your local pharmacy to find out whether naloxone is available. If your favorite pharmacy does not offer naloxone, try calling a major pharmacy chain such as Walgreens, which now offers naloxone without a prescription in many states.

3. Talk to Addiction Advocates

Many addiction advocates who run organizations and/or support groups dedicated to raising awareness about addiction may have access to naloxone kits. These naloxone kits are often distributed at opioid awareness events, or at special classes that teach community members how to administer naloxone. Reach out to addiction awareness groups in your area to find out where to get naloxone.

4. Call Emergency Services

If you suspect that you or someone you love is at immediate risk for suffering an opioid overdose, call emergency services right away. First responders often have access to naloxone kits that are used to revive opioid overdose victims on the spot. The sooner you contact emergency services, the sooner you or your loved one can be saved from coma or death.

5. Get Help at an Addiction Treatment Center

Most rehab centers have naloxone on hand to revive patients who relapse or suffer an accidental overdose during treatment. If you’ve been struggling with opioid addiction, and fear you may be at risk for an overdose, don’t hesitate to look into available addiction treatment options.

Opioid addiction can be treated using one of several methods, such as the use of medications that reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal, or holistic therapies that involve exercise, meditation, and massage for detoxification. Addiction treatment centers have the ability to tailor treatments for you or your loved one based on your personal preferences and health needs.

If you or someone you love is suffering from substance abuse, understand that help is just one phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to learn more about rehab centers that treat opioid addiction and offer naloxone as part of treatment.