Displaying items by tag: Summit Psychological Associates

Help for those struggling with a heroin addiction can come from a number of different places -- including right inside jails. Dr. Debra Walsh with Summit Psychological Associates works directly with the Summit County Jail offering Vivitrol to inmates battling a heroin addiction. The drug works to reduce cravings and block the high.

According to Walsh, the Vivitrol program is not just about reducing a person's craving for the drug -- but also about connecting the person with an outpatient treatment when they are released from jail.

"Right when they get the injection, they are hooked, specifically, with our outpatient program so that they can leave the jail and start right up with our mental health (services), our substance treatment, and the monthly injections," said Walsh.

The program offered to inmates includes Vivitrol, but it's just one component to the recovery phase.

"So we really do come at it from all three perspectives, instead of just looking at as medication. And that's really how we're addressing the overdose piece because just being on the medication does not prevent them from using other drugs. It also doesn't help solve everything in their lives."

While some inpatient treatment facilities may be at full capacity, Walsh says they are still accepting people for the outpatient program. They are opening up "walk-in" hours every Friday (between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) to reach out to those who want to learn how they can get involved with the program.

Summit Psychological Associates will also be hosting a free educational event discuss treatment options and complementary resources that are available in the area on Sept. 16.

A panel of speakers will be available including law enforcement, judges, and representatives from Oriana House and Summit Psychological Associates. Click here to register for the event.