Vivitrol is a drug used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency 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 medication Naltrexone, that is available via a monthly injection. It isn't addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. First off, someone who intends to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in New Haven that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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