Columbia, SC - (WLTX) The drug that may have saved Demi Lovato's life and many others is now available in stores around the country.
The drug is Narcan.
It's an emergency drug that reverses the effects of a narcotic overdose. Over 41 states have legalized it's use to be purchased over the counter. Pharmacies such as Walgreens sell the drug in nearly 8000 stores across the country.
The drug comes in a nasal spray form and can be covered under your insurance to purchase. Without insurance the price would range from a $130 to $160.
The availability of the drug has caused a debate of whether or not it's encouraging people to continue to abuse opioid's or whether it's a safety measure.
Julie Cole, executive director of The Courage Center, which works with people battling addiction and she shared her thoughts.
"The debate that this will give people a free pass to use (drugs) is countered by what science tells us about the nature of addiction. I just feel like having a life saving measure available is a moral imperative."