APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A pilot program through the state department of corrections is looking to help inmates who may be addicted to heroin.
The program aims to treat the inmates before they go back out in the community, in hopes of keeping them from using again.
Some doctors say the question of how to solve the problem of addiction has a medical answer.
ThedaCare’s Dr. Eric Smiltneek is the medical consultant for the local program, and spoke with WLUK.
“Addiction is really a medical, chronic brain illness, much more so than a character failing or a criminal offense.”
That’s why, the state Department of Corrections has partnered up with ThedaCare on a pilot program.
Michael Meulemans is the D.O.C.’S program policy analyst
“We want to make sure that we exercise all possible alternatives before we incarcerate somebody.”
Offenders are given the opportunity to receive an injection of Vivitrol.
“It helps people resist cravings. A lot of times it’s those cravings that bring people back to want to use again,” Smiltneek said.
The unique thing about Vivitrol is that patients only need to get an injection about once a month, so doctors say that makes it easier to manage.
54 people have been going through the program since March. The program takes 12 months to complete.
So far Smiltneek says they have seen some patients with side effects such as pain, nausea, or depression.
“There are always a few people who have had some issues.”
But Meulemans says the D.O.C. hopes the treatment can keep more people from returning to jail in the future.
“They have a sense of hope, they have a sense that they can contribute to society in a productive manner.”
The D.O.C. says if all continues to go well, they’ll look at expanding the program to other parts of the state.
