Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers - Sherman Oaks, CA.

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

There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, a client who intends to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.

These medications must be used as part of a rehab program in Sherman Oaks that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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