By Katherine Murphy

As the opioid epidemic sweeps through central Illinois the Livingston County Jail is taking a new stand in the battle.

The jail, working with the Institute for Human Resources, has started a medicated assisted treatment program that allows for the use of Vivitrol for inmates who want to take part.

The injectable drug is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependencies by blocking their effects.

In effect the medication blocks the high from the illicit drugs and gradually wipes away the urge to use heroin or other opioids.

National reports state more than 15 percent of the U.S. incarcerated population has an opioid dependence.

The drug is in stock at the jail and ready to be used but the jail superintendent said it has not yet been put into action.