Vivitrol is a med used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the drug Naltrexone, which is available via a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, a client who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Pleasant Hill that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you live the sober life you want.
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