A program funded by the state to fight opioid abuse is celebrating its third group of graduates.
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has partnered with area healthcare agencies to help fight the opioid epidemic.
Part of the program includes giving addicts monthly injections of a drug that decreases the chance of a relapse.
Participants say it’s been a long, tough road, but 15 people in Wisconsin’s Opioid Addiction Treatment Program are celebrating one year of sobriety.
The program combines a medical component with advisors who help participants build confidence in themselves.
State leaders say that can help them overcome some of the anti-social behavior that led them to drug use in the first place and hopefully keep them sober long term.
"Addiction is a lifelong struggle. They're going to have to be aware of it but certainly what we've provided for this program is individuals who for one year have been opioid free and that's a huge step for them," said Michael Muelemans, Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
One man we spoke with said his life was a mess before the program, but now he has hope.
It was a near death experience and vivitrol saved my life, as well as the DOC and I owe them a lot to my recovery.
Anthony Verbanac says he wants people out there who may be struggling to not give up. He says there are people out there who want to help.
This is the third group participants to complete this program.
If you or someone you know needs help, here's a list of resources:
