Addiction Recovery Benefits Inmates

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - June 11, 2018 - PRLog -- County jail inmates are receiving help through therapeutic addiction recovery programs developed by the Bucks County Department of Corrections.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 33 percent rise in drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania last year.

Bucks County Coroner Dr. Joseph Campbell confirmed that 231 opioid-related deaths occurred in Bucks County in 2017. There were six overdose cases combined in Doylestown Township and Doylestown Borough.

The department's program recently made addiction treatment resources available for its women population.

Currently, 245 men and women are participating in the addiction treatment program, which can include Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous groups and therapy sessions.

There has been increased interest in the program from inmates who have not yet been through addiction recovery, stated Mike Palumbo, a drug and alcohol specialist supervisor at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Inmates also participate in sessions to build interpersonal relationships and other life skills.

Vivitrol is offered to inmates on a monthly basis to prevent inmates from relapsing. The county's Department of Corrections is provided Vivitrol for free from Alkermes, the company that manufactures the medication.

Bucks County's Drug and Alcohol Treatment Section supervisor Patricia Davis stated that the program can hopefully improve the behavior of inmates.

The program also partners with local community and state organizations. Program officials assist inmates with applying to Medicaid and connecting them to after-care programs.

Davis stated that approximately 80 percent of inmates are referred to community treatment programs.

Department of Corrections officials are currently determining ways to increase the program's overall effectiveness.

https://www.drugaddictionnow.com/2018/06/08/doylestown-ad...