New Program For Opiate Addicts Launches in Nassau County

LEVITTOWN, NY - A new program and support group for opiate addicts and their family and friends has recently launched in Nassau County.

The group will be meeting every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. Bernard’s Parish School on 3100 Hempstead Turnpike (Room 209) in Levittown.

At the meetings, residents can obtain information about ‘A Shot at Life’ - Nassau County’s newest medication-supported treatment program for heroin and opiate addiction.

"A monthly injection of a non-narcotic, extended-release medication called Naltrexone (or Vivitrol), when combined with counseling, has had great success in Nassau and across the nation," a press release from Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano reads.

The first meeting took place on Tuesday, May 17 where Great Neck neurologist Dr. Russell Surasky spoke with the education and support group about Naltrexone and its success in treating the neurological changes that happen during addiction.

Nassau University Medical Center, and at least five other community-based treatment agencies funded by Nassau County, also offer Naltrexone as well as counseling services.

There are an estimated 350 Long Islanders currently receiving Naltrexone, which is covered by most private insurance companies and Medicaid, according to the release.

Nassau County Medical Examiner statistics indicate that at least 190 people died from heroin or pain-pill overdoses in 2015 – with 15 overdose deaths in one month last year.

For more information on the program, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/shotatlife or call (516) 571-6105.