Giving prescription opioids to addicts has proven to reduce the risk of overdosing on street drugs laced with fentanyl in other cities and a new pilot project is hoping to save the lives in the Kamloops area.

A similar project has been in place in Vancouver for several years, where a nurse administers the drug to the addict in a controlled setting in a pill form.

Ask Wellness Executive Director Bob Hughes was on NL Newsday and said it’s not just about saving lives.

“There’s many metrics we’re looking for. I mean obviously is to prevent people from overdosing with the use of illicit substances right through to are we going to see a reduction in criminal activity as a result as being able to adhere to this program,” he said.

He said it’s about turning those lives around.

“The evidence was so very clear that people’s lives literally changed to the point where they were able to get jobs and have normal relationships, were able to look at thing other than ‘what am I going to do tomorrow if I don’t have any of the drug that if I don’t have I just go into some of the worst feelings of withdrawal and sickness you can have’.”

Hughes said another benefit of this kind of program is they reduce crime.

“We’re worked really, really hard here with the Health Authority to make sure the control systems are in place sufficiently to ensure the safety of the patient and the safety of the public.”

Hughes says the 18 month pilot project is funded by the Interior Health Authority with direction from Minister of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and is capped at a maximum of 35 patients.