“Essentially it blocks the effects of opiates, including heroin, morphine, oxycodone, for up to 30 days.” -Merrick
“And with this Vivitrol, when it’s blocking the cravings, it’s, ‘What can I do for the next man? How can I help somebody else out?’”
Jail offers addicts a shot at getting clean, and Vivitrol offers a chance of staying clean. West is now back in school.
“It’s all about the steps you take when you get out. If you get out and you keep on doing the same things, you’re going to keep on getting the same results. It’s called insanity,” West said. If the inmates in Kentucky are as successful as West, families and neighborhoods devastated by the epidemic of opiate addiction may finally have a way to combat it.
“Giving them that extra level of support is essential to keeping them alive and building stronger communities.” Merrick said.
Vivitrol is designed to be taken for a year or two after release while the addict gets on his or her feet. Since February, 22 Kenton County inmates have completed this program and none have re-offended. That is why the white house is considering it as a model for prisons nationwide.
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