Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers - St. Marys, AK.

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the drug Naltrexone, that is available via injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they essentially can't get high or drunk.

There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These medications must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in St. Marys that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you live the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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