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NH prisons to offer addiction treatment injection before release

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New Hampshire is going to start offering released inmates an injection that blocks the high from opioids and can help reduce cravings.

The drug, known by its brand name Vivitrol, blocks the brain's opioid receptors for one month. Many recipients also report reduced cravings, although there is not a clear scientific explanation for that.

The manufacturer of Vivitrol is offering to cover the cost of a first dose for inmates selected by the Department of Corrections. Once released, prisoners must work with their primary health care provider to continue monthly injections.

Supporters note that inmates are at heightened risk of overdose immediately after release. Vivitrol is preferable to other, similar addiction treatments because patients do not have to remember to take a daily dose. Vivitrol also provides no high, so unlike methadone and suboxone, there is no risk of the drugs being misused.

On the other hand, Vivitrol is $1,200 per dose. Even though the manufacturer has offered to cover the cost of the first dose, the state may have to cover a released inmate's future doses through Medicaid. Vivitrol can also increase the risk of overdose if a patient tries to use opioids after getting an injection.

Several other states are offering Vivitrol to inmates upon release. 

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