Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the med Naltrexone, which is available via a monthly injection. It is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are particular precautions that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who with the intent to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least seven days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a treatment program in Colebrook which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you maintain and build the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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