New Hope For People Fighting Opioid Dependency

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Addiction to opioids is problem communities across the country face, including Sacramento.

Last year, 8 out of 10 people are prescribed opioids. While some use the drug for responsible purposes, others fall into addiction. Industry experts hope an experimental drug called Vivitrol may be able to help kick the addiction, but it comes at a cost and is only part of the solution.

"When that craving hit, there was no stopping it."

With a monitor around his ankle and a breathalyzer by his side, a Sacramento man identified only as "Mark" to protect his identity, shared his story.

"I was infatuated with figuring out this whole gangster life thing I guess," said Mark, "and the way I found my way into it was through drugs."

Now in his late 30's, Mark began his drug use as a teen. He started with alcohol then progressed to pills and eventually found the needle.

"Forget everything else, where can I get a fix," said Mark about the worst decision of his life.

He's been in and out of jail for the last 20 years. He's had moments of sober success and cycles of relapse.

"I can remember drinking that first drink and thinking to myself I'm going back to prison," said Mark.

In April, Mark nearly died of an overdose. He was taken to the hospital and then jail where he decided to make a change for good.

"You battle with it until you do something about it," said Mark.

This time, Mark was introduced to Vivitrol.

Experts say the drug is non-habit forming, and blocks brain receptors from opioids, curbing cravings.

Only a handful of people have volunteered for the Vivitrol program in Sacramento County.

"Once they get out is where the rubber meets the road," said Ron Smith.

Smith is a re-entry specialist. He says the drug is given a month before an inmate is released. And then each month after for up to a year.

"We stay with them for up to a year once they're released," said Smith about his counseling services.

Other treatments that have been used for years include methadone, which is considered a habit forming maintenance drug. It cost about $40 a month. Vivitrol is much more expensive at $1,000 a month.

Federal and state grants, as well as Medi-Cal, cover the cost for most injections, but it's up to the patient to stay clean or continue the injections after that time.

"I think that it's been slow to embrace and one of the reasons for that is because it's cost prohibitive," said Melinda Ruger.

Ruger runs Harm Reduction Services in Sacramento. The non-profits gets about 4,000 visits a year from addicts and others seeking help.

"If this does work miracles, making it accessible is also important," said Ruger about Vivitrol.

Ruger says while the drug can help, studies suggest a well-rounded approach to recovery is also a must.

"Is it a golden ticket out of substance dependence? No," explained Ruger.

Ruger says behavioral therapy, a place to live, and support groups are necessary for getting off and staying off drugs.

She says there is no easy way to recovery, but it can be done.

"I know that there is people who will support me," said Mark about his support group, "as long as I keep reaching out, my life will move forward."