MCCA Awarded $100,000 to Launch Vivitrol Program for Opiate Addiction
MCCA is gearing up to launch a new program on July 1st that will offer Vivitrol, an opioid addiction treatment to clients at their Danbury outpatient facility. The program is being funded by a $100,000 grant from the Hanley Family Foundation.
With the current opiate crisis rampant throughout Connecticut, MCCA is eager to expand treatment options to meet the growing need with effective evidence-based therapies. Deaths in Connecticut from heroin and opioid overdose doubled in the past three years, reaching every corner of the state. Last year alone, nearly 550 people died. Medication assisted treatment coupled with therapy has been identified as one of the most effective ways to treat opiate addiction.
MCCA’s President & CEO, Joe Sullivan stated, “We in Connecticut have to commit resources to what science tells us is effective in treating opiate addiction. Hopefully, this support from a Florida-based family foundation can stimulate a greater commitment of public and private financing within our own state.” The mission of the Florida-based Hanley Family Foundation is to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism, chemical dependency and addictive behavior, including support for related research and education.
Vivitrol (also known as Naltrexone) is an injection that stops cravings by blocking opioid receptors in the body to prevent users from getting high. A single intramuscular injection is effective for up to 30 days. The medication is used to prevent relapse in people who have become dependent on opioids but have been able to stop for at least 7-10 days. Vivitrol can help keep individuals from feeling a "need" to use opioids. Vivitrol injection is also used to treat alcoholism by reducing the urge to drink alcohol.
Vivitrol gives substance abuse treatment providers an alternative to daily methadone or buprenorphine, which has been the standard of care for addiction to heroin or prescription pain medications. Both drugs suppress withdrawal and cravings, but many patients find it difficult to stick with daily treatment, and missing doses of those medications can lead patients to relapse. Vivitrol is further viewed by many health professionals as a more attractive option to treating opioid addiction than methadone or buprenorphine because there is not a black market for the drug and there are no addictive components.
MCCA (Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism) is one of the leading providers of substance abuse prevention, evaluation and treatment services in Connecticut. Their full spectrum of services includes: medically monitored detox, three residential programs, six outpatient clinics, and transitional housing. MCCA was established in 1972 in response to regional needs for high quality professional services for individuals and their families suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. For more information visit their website at mccaonline.com