INDIANAPOLIS – Marion County launched a new program to help fight opioid addiction this week that authorities call a, “game changer.”
The Opiate Supervision Project uses a prescription drug called Vivitrol to offer a second chance for some offenders who have violated probation.
Vivitrol, a monthly shot that prevents opioid users from getting high, has been used in several counties over the past two years including Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Hamilton and Boone.
“As a Marion county citizen, I applaud this effort. I applaud the opportunity to say let's try something different because for this population, what we're doing now isn't working,” said Chief Probation Officer Christine Kerl, who oversees the Marion County program.
Ben Manderfeld from South Bend has been taking Vivitrol and believes it could lower the incarceration rate.
“If they (inmates) had Vivitrol, or something like it, to prevent that or help them heal from that and move on then, our jails would not be full. I promise you they would not be full. I’ve been there, most of them are there for heroin,” said Manderfeld, who was convicted of theft for funding his heroin addiction. “I feel like I have a sense of peace and purpose in life again.”
The Opiate Supervision Project, a one-year program for inmates, was funded by money awarded from the Indiana Department of Correction Community Corrections Grant. The money allowed the hiring of two new probation officers. Each are able to oversee 50 participants at a time.
The $200,000 grant also funded one community corrections case manager and drug testing costs.
“If we can assist an individual to not return to opioid use, that is going to be something I see as a success. If we can reduce the amount of jail stays for an individual that otherwise would not be given this opportunity, that's a success,” said Kerl.
Authorities said Vivitrol is not meant to be used to cure addiction, and Marion County plans to continue their program through next year to measure its success.
