Bergen Sheriff Provides Anti-Heroin Drug To Eligible Jail Inmates

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino's staff this week began offering the anti-heroin drug Vivitrol to addicted inmates.

“This is just another tool that we can offer with our partners to break the deadly cycle of addiction in our communities,” Saudino said.
Photo Credit: *COURTESY: Bergen County Sheriff*

Jerry DeMarco

02/08/2018 12:39 p.m.

“This is just another tool that we can offer with our partners to break the deadly cycle of addiction in our communities,” Saudino said.

Eligible inmates enrolled in a program to reintegrate them into society who are struggling with opioid/heroin addiction are being offered the drug.

The first two participants are already being monitored "to support them and to measure the impact of this initiative," the sheriff said.

The injectable Vivitrol "can block the effects and cravings for both opioids and alcohol for a period of one month," Saudino said. "Participants are often prescribed this medication for up to one year in conjunction with out-patient therapy for best results.'

Two "outstanding" agencies have helped make it possible, he said: www.transitionprofessionals.org and www.cbhcare.com.

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