Sheriff's program helps NN inmates struggling with addiction get and stay clean

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Newport News Sheriff's Office says it's working to help inmates, in hopes they don't end up in jail.

They say the Medication Assistance Treatment (MAT) program is for inmates struggling with drug addiction. The program begins while they are incarcerated and continues even after their release. The office says this program is one of the programs it has to reduce recidivism.

Kevin Jones, 46, served time in the Newport News City Jail. He says the program helped him overcome his addiction.

“My fifth DUI,” Jones said. “I'm tired of losing vehicles to drunk driving, starting from scratch, paying lawyers. I was a weekend drinker. During the week I worked but on the weekend , I was partying. But it was time for a change. I'm getting older, I have two daughters and I was tired of leaving them here.

Jones served over a year in the Newport News City Jail for his 5th DUI.

He says he no longer consumes alcohol after battling his addiction. He says he has been in the MAT program for over a year.

“I did 14 months,” Jones said. “I haven’t had anything to drink since January 2023. When I discovered the MAT program, I didn’t really want to do it. I started working on myself.”

The Medication Assistance Treatment (MAT) program serves inmates suffering from heroin, opioid, or alcohol addiction. People participating in the program meet with a counselor once a week.

Lt. Col. Hayes of Newport News says the program is instrumental in reducing recidivism, keeping people from going to prison again.

“Most of the crimes our participants commit are related to their addiction issues,” Hayes said. “Once we heal that part or give them the treatment they need, crime goes down.”

The program offers a Vivitrol injection once a month. It is funded by a grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The vaccine is used to combat alcohol and opioid addiction. Once injected, the shot blocks the euphoric feeling of getting high or drunk.

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“It’s like a plan B,” Jones said. “If I ever decided to drink, I know I would be sick. I do it once a month.”

The program's case recovery manager says the success rate is 90 percent.

“Once they are released, I will already have housing if necessary, set up so they can receive food and employment,” said Charlotte Graham, recovery case manager for the MAT program. . “We want to present all the obstacles that prevent them from moving forward in their recovery process.”

If you have been in trouble with the law and are struggling with substance abuse issues, you can visit the Newport News Sheriff's Office for help and resources.