CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – A once-monthly injection of the drug Vivitrol could help prevent relapses for opioid and alcohol abuse, and Clarion County officials are now investigating the possibility of offering the drug to prisoners who have had the dependency problem in the past before they are released back into the public.
It could help prisoners turn a new leaf.
“A lot of our problem is repeats,” said Clarion County Commissioner Wayne Brosius and Chairman of the Clarion County Prison Board. “They go to jail, and they’re in jail, and they get clean. They go back out, and the first thing you know, they’re hanging around with old friends or what have you, and then they’re back in jail with an overdose or parole violation. We’re hoping that this would cut down a little bit on that. Our jail numbers are extremely high right now. I think we have about 125 in the jail right now, which is near capacity.”
The Prison Board is working with Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron’s office and the Armstrong, Indiana and Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission.
According to the literature Brosius has read, is not addictive, and it has no street value. The drug includes antagonists that attach to opioid receptors but do not cause the release of dopamine.
County officials have reviewed the successes reported by other counties using the drug in their jails. Success of eliminating the need for opioid and alcohol varies with each individual.
“Some people might take it six months, and it seems to work,” said Brosius. “Other people it might take a year or more; it depends on the individual.”
One of the requirements for receiving the injection is that the person must not have been taking opioids or alcohol before the injection. Some view the ideal time to receive it shortly before the prisoners are released. The program would be voluntary and be covered by various insurances, including Medicaid/Medical Assistance.
“We’re going to discuss it with the Drug and Alcohol Commission a little later this week to see what they might be able to contribute to a program,” said Brosius. “They did have a meeting earlier where they came up and brought a mobile unit and showed it off.”
Vivitrol users are required to take a drug test every month before a new injection.
Brosius said the matter would be likely discussed at the next prison board meeting on October 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the Main Street Administrative Building. Brosius noted that Dr. Frederick Krueger, the prison doctor, has not yet signed off on the injection. A prison nurse could provide the injection.
The drug is not just for prisoners and is being marketed to the general public. Like any drugs, there are potential hazards.
According to Vivitrol.com, Vivitrol is a prescription injectable medicine used to:
– Prevent relapse to opioid dependence after opioid detox. You must stop taking opioids or other opioid-containing medications before starting Vivitrol
– Treat alcohol dependence. You should stop drinking before starting Vivitrol.
Concerns listed on the website include:
– Before starting Vivitrol, you must be opioid-free for a minimum of seven to 14 days to avoid sudden opioid withdrawal.
– Do not take Vivitrol if you have any symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
– Vivitrol must be used with other drug or alcohol recovery programs such as counseling.
– Vivitrol may not work for everyone and has not been studied in children.
More information is available at vivitrol.com.
