A new program is aiming to curb the growing number of heroin addictions in Northeast Wisconsin. The Department of Corrections along with drug and alcohol counselors and ThedaCare are teaming up, using a new drug, doctors say helps stop the addiction.
"The cravings for opiates, which is usually what sends people back in to the relapse mode, are minimal or nonexistent," said Dr. Eric Smiltneek, a family physician for ThedaCare Physicians in Oshkosh.
Vivitrol is the name of the shot that's given to a heroin addicts once a month, acting as a blocker for the part of the user's brain that's addicted to opioids.
"This medication allows them to think clearly and process what's going on so we can really get to the root of the addiction and hopefully make a lifetime change," explained Department of Corrections Program and Policy Analyst, Michael Meulemans.
Northeast Wisconsin is the first place in the state to test this program. It's made possible through a grant from the state, that's helping those released specifically to Northeast Wisconsin from prison or those on probation and parole get the help they need to get clean.
"A lot of them see this as an amazing opportunity they have to kind of kick this addiction and become decent, productive members of society," said Dr. Smiltneek.
The program started in July, but results are beginning to show up now, six months later.
"We're looking to reduce relapses. We're looking to save lives, but at the very basic level it's restoring hope," said Meulemans.
A total of 54 people are taking part in this program right now.
Doctors say this grant will allow them to administer Vivitrol once a month up to a year and by then the hope is that those who are addicted to opiates will have kicked the addiction.
