John Greene
I pray you never lose a loved one to opioid use. I have—and it’s an agony I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Our son, Evan, died many years ago after overdosing on heroin.
Back in 2014, that was the drug of choice. But times have changed, and now fentanyl has permeated every segment of our society. It doesn’t discriminate—impacting Black, white, Hispanic, older, younger, rich and poor people alike.
Fentanyl has become even more difficult to combat because just a few granules—the size of salt—can kill. It’s easy to lace into pills, and many are unaware they’re even taking it.
And that’s the killer—literally. One pill leads to another, and another, and suddenly a person is addicted.
Each year, opioid use kills nearly 2,000 people in Massachusetts. International Overdose Awareness Day is at the end of this month, and Lynn will honor those lost in a ceremony on Aug. 29. It’s a stark reminder of the toll—and an inspiration to act.
As the opioid epidemic evolves, we must ensure access to all treatments.
A recent study by Avalere Health offers a hopeful next step in the fight against opioid use disorder. The report found that long-acting injectables, or LAIs, coupled with behavioral therapy, have the best chance of keeping a person on the path to recovery.
You’ve likely heard about LAIs in the news for treating diabetes and obesity. These monthly treatments help control cravings, and that’s why LAIs could be a gamechanger for those suffering from opioid addiction.
Currently, most treatments are daily or weekly and require frequent visits to clinics, which can be challenging for those working or without reliable transportation. The stigma associated with drug addiction can also deter people from seeking help. Oral medications are common but have been well-documented for misuse.
But LAIs are administered just once a month. The slow-release formula keeps cravings at bay much longer than other treatments—and as injectables, they eliminate the potential for misuse.
Pharmacists could play a key role in expanding access. They already provide vaccines, and a bill at the State House—S.1635—would allow them to administer LAIs. It would be a positive step, and lawmakers should pass it.
The cost of opioid use disorder to state and local governments is enormous. Massachusetts loses $145 billion annually, with each case costing nearly $1 million.
The societal toll is even greater.
Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health shows 90% of opioid overdose deaths in the state are fentanyl-related. While you may have heard opioid deaths are down, the fact remains: opioids still kill more than 2,000 people a year here. That’s far too many.
For those in recovery, the temptation to relapse is strong. But LAIs help keep that physical temptation at bay. Considering the financial burden on the state, lawmakers should also require insurers to cover all treatment options.
Since Evan’s passing, I’ve dedicated my life to working with kids—mostly teenagers—giving them the tools to just say “no.” Peer pressure is real, and if we can empower kids to refuse that first pill, that’s potentially one more life saved.
Our program, No First Time, is designed to educate young people on the dangers of drug use and risky behavior. You never know what a seemingly harmless pill—like Adderall—might contain. The road to addiction is just one step away.
We must use every tool available to keep people on the road to recovery.
John Greene is a telecommunications technician for Local 103. He is the founder of the Evan G. Foundation, which helps fight substance abuse.
