Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs - Iowa City, IA.

Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the med Naltrexone, that one can get through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks 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 someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a client who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is 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 meds must be used as part of a treatment program in Iowa City which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug-free life you want.

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