FDA's Just Approved Monthly Drug Treatment, Vivitrol Could Be 'Game Changer,' Says Country's Largest Drug Treatment Recovery President, CRC's Jerry Rhodes; Provides Addicts 'One Decision A Month Instead of 30'

Former Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey Says "Reluctant Addicts More Likely to Obtain Treatment Once-a-Month"; CRC Health Group to Include Vivitrol among Treatment Options

Company has used Vivitrol to treat alcoholism for years with positive results

WASHINGTON and CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The FDA's just approved monthly drug treatment with Vivitrol could be a game changer," said the country's largest substance abuse treatment provider, CRC Health Group, Recovery Division President Jerry Rhodes, whose company has 140 facilities across the country. Rhodes said the new treatment regimen "will provide addicts seeking help one decision a month instead of 30, and a new way to reduce or eliminate relapse. We are pleased to play a part in rolling out this potentially life-saving treatment."

Former U.S. Drug Czar, General Barry McCaffrey, now on CRC's Board, congratulated the FDA and CRC "for adopting a science-based new approach to reduce the national drug treatment gap. Addicts who in the past have been reluctant to seek treatment will be far more likely with a once-a-month opportunity to stop their craving. This is another important new tool in treatment."

Rhodes and McCaffrey offered "thanks and congratulations" to Alkermes Inc for developing and providing the medication approved today by the FDA and to be used by CRC facilities.

Rhodes stated that CRC has been utilizing Vivitrol to treat alcoholism "for years with extremely positive results" and is now in the process of developing the protocols and formulations for therapy for opiate patients. He stated that "every patient is an individual case. Vivitrol will be among the treatment options doctors will now have available, in addition to already existing Methadone and Suboxone (buprenorphine). In all cases, counseling and monitoring are a crucial part of treatment."

McCaffrey added, "The abuse of opioids like prescription pain medications and heroin is on the rise. Prescription drug abuse has tripled in the past decade – it's the new heroin. Nearly 16 million Americans ages 12 and older misused or abused prescription drugs or heroin in 2008 according to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health."

Contact: Bob Weiner 301-283-0821/202-306-1200 and Kristen Hayes 949-589-1765/562-229-2204

SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates and CRC Health Group