Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. 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 called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Guilford that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk with your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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