Vivitrol is a medication used to prevent drug use 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 med Naltrexone, which one can get through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get high or drunk.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, someone who intends to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications like Methadone or Buprenorphine. 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 endure for a minimum of 7 days in order to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Brandeis which also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build the drug-free life you want.
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