Nassau County has added a new drug treatment program to its arsenal of defenses against rising heroin and opioid use in the area.
It’s called “A Shot At Life,” which incorporates counseling with monthly injections of Vivitrol, which blocks the brain’s opiate receptors from processing a drug’s euphoric sensation.
The trial program was launched in conjunction with Nassau University Medical Center’s Pathway to Recovery program and financed through $328,000 in state funding secured last month to fortify outpatient treatment facilities throughout the county, officials said.
“My administration has combated heroin and opioid use through a comprehensive strategy that includes enforcement, education and awareness,” Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano told reporters during a news conference introducing the program last Wednesday.
“Nassau County is now offering those battling addiction ‘A Shot at Life’ and freedom from narcotics. Vivitrol must be paired with counseling to achieve the very best rate of total drug free independence and recovery,” said Mangano, a Republican from Bethpage. “It offers the brain time to heal and has the potential to save lives while decreasing recidivism and incarceration.”
Mangano said the program would be implemented at no cost to taxpayers and may be expanded if successful.
Vivitrol programs have been administered in more than 20 states, Mangano said, and have been effective in preventing addicts from relapse.
According to figures from the county Medical Examiner’s Office, 51 people died from heroin overdoses in 2014, while another 123 died from prescription drug overdoses.
To be eligible for the program, patients will have had to be off opioids for 7-10 days prior to their first injection of Vivitrol.
Nassau County Medical Center officials said they have already begun referring patients for the program.
“We are pleased to partner with County Executive Mangano and county officials in their launch of a Vivitrol program to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Victor Politi, president and chief executive officer of Nassau University Medical Center. “Combined with counseling and education, those battling with addiction will have a better chance of recovery, thanks to Vivitrol and the program, ‘A Shot at Life.’”
Along with Vivitrol injections, patients would undergo individual and group counseling as well as regular drug testing.
Vivitrol is manufactured by Alkermes Inc.
Medical insurance is required for the Pathway to Recovery program. Medicare, including Part D; and Medicaid, including Medicaid Managed Care, will be accepted, officials said.
Mangano said Alkermes Inc. is offering up to $500 to cover the co-pay costs for the monthly Vivitrol injection to patients without medical insurance or those considered Medicaid-pending.
Reach reporter Bill San Antonio by e-mail at bsanantonio@theislandnow.com, by phone at 516.307.1045 x215 or on Twitter @b_sanantonio. Also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.
