Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency 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 drug Naltrexone, which one can get through a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including clients who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week in order to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of a treatment program in Georgetown that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you build the sober life you want.
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