The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on the lives of Americans across the country. As of 2017, more than 183 Americans die every day due to opioid overdoses.1
The majority of these deaths are caused by prescription opioids, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, or fentanyl. However, while prescription opioids do have their benefits, they also have many dangerous side effects that make them a potential danger to anyone who takes them. In light of recent news concerning the drug crisis that has been ongoing since the late 1990s, today our Banyan rehab shares more on the $83 million West Virginia opioid settlement with Walgreens.
The West Virginia Opioid Settlement with Walgreens
Following recent claims that Walgreens helped fuel San Francisco’s opioid crisis is West Virginia’s whopping $83 million opioid settlement with Walgreens. States across the country have filed lawsuits against many pharmacies due to the promotion and selling of opioid drugs. West Virginia has made major moves to crack down on the opioid crisis affecting their state.
With ongoing legal battles, the most recent company to settle, Walgreens, has agreed to pay the state $83 million for its part in the continued West Virginia opioid crisis. The settlement resolves a lawsuit that alleges Pharmacy chains failed to maintain effective controls against diversion which contributed to an oversupply of opioids.
As you may know, the West Virginia opioid problem has the most overdose deaths per capita. One recent Wallethub study ranked all the states based on drug use, law enforcement involving drugs, and drug health issues and found that West Virginia was ranked worst overall. According to the ranking, West Virginia has the fourth most drug use and addiction in the country, and the third-worst law enforcement when it comes to drugs. What is most shocking is that West Virginia is one of the five states with the lowest amount of substance abuse users receiving treatment.
With this in mind, this major win will help the state combat the state’s growing drug problem even more. Although the West Virginia opioid settlement with Walgreens among other legal efforts has already awarded the state $950 million in opioid litigation, the war on drugs is not over for them. They are set to battle Kroger in court soon and will continue fighting until the state sees some real changes.
Opioid Addiction Help at Banyan Rehab Locations
Our Clearbrook Pennsylvania rehab, located in Laurel Run, PA, offers residential addiction treatment to adults in West Virginia struggling with substance abuse. Clearbrook treats opiate addiction, heroin addiction, meth addiction, prescription drug addiction, and much more. Once a client successfully completes their inpatient level of care, they are then transitioned to our Banyan rehab in Philadelphia for outpatient care.
When seeking addiction treatment, it is important that you find a place where you can recover safely and comfortably. You do not have to do it alone. The Banyan staff is on-hand and ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. With addiction treatment facilities nationwide and customized treatment plans for all patients, you do not have to worry about whether Banyan is the right fit for you.
Recovery may not be easy, but it will be worth it. For more information about our addiction services and how to get started, call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763 or send us your contact information and one of our admission specialists will reach out to you.
Sources:
- USA Today - West Virginia announces $83 million opioid settlement with Walgreens
- 12 WBOY - West Virginia has highest drug use in the US
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