Alcoholism drug gets a boost

Addiction Medicine Associates said today it will offer Vivitrol as an option to treat alcohol dependence at some of its locations.

The Boston company provides outpatient services to treat substance dependence at 17 locations in Massachusetts.

Vivitrol is a new treatment developed by Alkermes Inc., a Cambridge biotechnology firm.

Vivitrol, which is used in addition to counseling, is a once-a-month injectable medication for alcoholism, Addiction Medicine Associates said.

"At Addiction Medicine Associates, we are dedicated to providing our patients with novel treatment options to help them in their battle against alcohol dependence," company president P.S. Kishore said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)