Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the med Naltrexone, that one can get through injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, an individual who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least seven to ten days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of seven days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Trumbull that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the sober life you want.
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