The Clinton County Probation Department, Community Corrections, the Sheriff’s Department and the Health Department are working together with local counseling clinics to get Vivitrol to people who are in recovery.
Chief Probation Officer Nancy Ward said this drug, which is an injection that recovering addicts need to take every 30 days, helps curb cravings for opioids and also for alcohol. Because fighting cravings are the hardest part of the battle for many addicts, Ward said the drug will go a long way to curb relapse and recidivism.
“This is just another step we are taking in the fight against drugs,” Ward said. “The biggest thing people battle is the cravings; without this drug the chances of getting off opioids is less than 10 percent. This drug and taking on counseling is a big commitment for addicts.”
Ward described the drug as a long-form naloxone. The injection prevents addicts from getting high for 30 days, but the effects will wear off after that period. Because the effect is not lasting, the drug must be taken in conjunction with a recovery plan and attendance at counseling sessions to keep the recovering addict on track.
The drug does cost money, but the county is working with drug representatives to acquire free samples so incarcerated recovering addicts who are about to be released can be given their first dose before leaving jail.
After the inmate has been released, he or she would have to pay for the drug on their own or with insurance assistance and follow their treatment plan to be successful. Ward said the average person would take the drug for the duration of the recovery program, or around 18 months.
Inmates are not the only ones who can benefit from the Vivitrol program. Ward said this could be a sentencing alternative for judges or it could be a condition of a plea agreement.
Ward said she is not sure when the program can be implemented, but she will know more after a meeting on Oct. 20 between the four local agencies meet to discuss details. Representatives from other counties plan to come to the meeting to observe Clinton County’s process in formulating the implementation plan.