Date of Conferral

5-25-2024

Date of Award

5-25-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Scott Hershberger

Abstract

Drug overdoses are increasing, and the heroin epidemic is becoming more evident. There are ways to get these individuals’ help. Medically assisted treatments (MATs) involve use of medications alongside counseling and therapies to treat individuals with a substance abuse disorder. This subject is important to the human services administration field, more specifically those who focus on addiction. As the epidemic of opioid use continues, so does the need for treatment. Without that treatment, the problem will get worse and inevitably have negatives effects on the entire world. Those effects involve crime, increasing costs to the public, overall health, and child abuse and neglect. The purpose of this secondary data analysis is to compare the relative effectiveness of two MATs, Suboxone and Vivitrol in the St. Bernard Parish Drug Court Program, to determine which more effectively reduces risk of relapse. Although there is some research on this topic, with the introduction of new drugs, research is not up to date. Comparing these two drugs can increase awareness and provide options for those addicted to heroin. Studying both medications will provide for those who treat heroin addicts’ information about how the medication they decided to take will reduce relapse. This study will include information regarding which medication works better overall. This study can help lead to positive social change. Not only does this study help those treating individuals with heroin addiction, but it helps addicts themselves. When the addict; those addicted to opioids, in a drug court setting gets help, the family gets help, and the community; the residents of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana gets a productive member of society back.

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