Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to help prevent drug use 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 medication Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol or takes opioids they essentially cannot get high or drunk.
There are particular precautions that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who intends to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs 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 go through for a minimum of a week if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Woodbridge that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you build and maintain the drug-free life you want.
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