Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, that is available through injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are particular precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a client who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This is including people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a treatment program in Ketchikan that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you live the drug-free life you want.
For All Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facilities In Ketchikan, Click Here.