Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug use 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 injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get high or drunk.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least seven days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Camp H M Smith which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological tools can help you build the sober life you want.
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