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The state of Oklahoma is piloting an opioid relapse prevention program that includes giving the drug Vivitrol to prison inmates. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office will now allow the use of this treatment, which is a form of the drug naltrexone, for people in prison. Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors in the brain and can provide help for people in recovery from opioid addiction. Every Vivitrol injection costs about $1,000 and officials expect 10–15 inmates to receive the drug each month.
The Oklahoma opioid epidemic claimed 388 lives due to opioid overdose in 2017. Statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse illustrate a decrease in prescriptions and deaths. However, in certain sectors, opioid addiction persists. One of these contexts is prisons throughout the state.
A study published by the Addiction Science and Clinical Practice journal explains that 80% of people in jail or prison admit to having used illegal drugs. The criminal justice system is consistently challenged with the reincarceration of repeat drug offenders. Opioid relapse is one cause of reincarceration. From parole violations to illegal drug purchase or possession, individuals who have substance use disorder are still susceptible to reincarceration for at least five years after their release. This has led officials like those in Oklahoma to address issues of drug addiction treatment for people who are in prison.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medication Guide, Vivitrol is extended-release naltrexone. This drug blocks the physical effects of opioid drugs. Vivitrol is recommended for use in people who have been addicted to opioids after they have undergone medical detox. The goal of Vivitrol is to prevent relapse into opioid dependence. Vivitrol is administered once a month, and the medicine’s effects last for the duration of that time.
Vivitrol works to block opioid receptors, which is intended to discourage opioid relapse. The brain functions that are stimulated by opioids include the release of dopamine, which is what provides an addictive sense of euphoria. Vivitrol works to control stimulation of the brain’s dopamine reward system, decreasing the need or desire for opioids.
Vivitrol is delivered through an injection. The same drug, naltrexone, can also be administered through a pill. This changes the duration of use, as the pill must be taken daily. There are pros and cons to these options for use in prisons, which have been taken into account with the decision in Oklahoma to administer the injectable form of the drug.
The goal of Vivitrol as drug therapy is to prevent opioid relapse. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Vivitrol success rate for incarcerated individuals is moderate for avoiding relapse. In this study, 153 people were given extended-release naltrexone and 155 people were given regular treatment. Treatment was administered over the course of 24 weeks. Participants who received Vivitrol had a relapse rate of only 43%, versus a 64% relapse rate among people who received alternative treatment.
Opioid addiction is treatable. Qualified medical and mental health professionals, like those at The Recovery Village Palmer Lake, can provide help and hope to people who struggle with opioid addiction. If you or someone you know is living with opioid addiction, reach out for guidance and to find your way to long-term recovery.
One of the cornerstones of addiction treatment in recent years is medication-assisted treatment. With MAT, we can help people with opioid addiction begin and maintain a long-term recovery.
Because heroin is an addictive, deadly and illegal substance, it’s common for people to wonder about what heroin looks like and how to recognize it – especially those who suspect a friend or loved one may be using.
Inpatient rehabilitation offers constant live-in care for people with substance use disorders. At an inpatient care facility, all evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation is supervised by medical professionals.
Women who are pregnant may find themselves wondering if it is safe to use hydrocodone during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Ultimately, using any kind of opioid while pregnant or breastfeeding should generally be avoided.
Medical detoxification, more commonly known as medical detox, this process is crucial to successful recovery. When you’re dependent on a substance, your body has to compensate for the constant presence of that substance.
Chamberlain, Adam; et al. “Illicit substance use after release f[…]ross-sectional study.” Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, February 19, 2019. Accessed September 19, 2019.
Food and Drug Administration. “Vivitrol Medication Guide.” Accessed September 19, 2019.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Oklahoma Opioid Summary.” Revised March 2019. Accessed September 19, 2019.
Lee, Joshua D; et al. “Extended-Release Naltrexone to Prevent O[…]al Justice Offenders.” New England Journal of Medicine, March 31, 2016.
Vivitrol.com. “How Vivitrol Works.” July 2013. Accessed September 19, 2019.
The Washington Times. “Oklahoma launches inmate opioid relapse prevention program.” Associated Press, August 31, 2019. Accessed September 19, 2019.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
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