International Overdose Awareness Day 2020

Pharmacy Times spoke with Mark Calarco, MD, National Medical Director for Clinical Diagnostics, American Addiction Centers, about International Overdose Awareness Day.

Calarco has seen the increases in overdoses first hand, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasized that people who are on the road to recovery struggle with following the guidelines to prevent the virus, such as social distancing and isolation. "People who are on the path to recovery, they need constant reinforcement, they need in-person counselling, group therapy, things of this sort," Calarco said. "Yes, we have virtual means, and I'm glad we have those because they are better than nothing, but nothing really takes the place when it comes to something personal as someone struggling with an addiction."

Calarco also discusses his recommendations for health care professionals counseling those struggling with addiction, Narcan training, and what he hopes to see for the future of Narcan and overdose awareness.