Some inmates in Maine prisons addicted to opioids will soon be getting some help to get the monkey off their back.

The Maine Department of Corrections and a substance abuse organization are teaming up to provide counseling and medication for some 100 to 150 inmates prior to their release.

In a conversation with the Bangor Daily News, Deputy Corrections Commissioner Ryan Thornell said that addiction rates are so high that it would be "irresponsible" not to at least start the inmates on some kind of treatment.

Officials have identified, over the last several months, inmates at three state correctional institutions that are within six months of being released and who have faced an addiction to opiates. Inmates who agree to take part in the program will start receiving Suboxone on July 1st or about 90 days prior to their release.

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