Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug abuse and relapse, and is administered specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the medication Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get high or drunk.
There are particular precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Dowell which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain and build the drug and alcohol free life you want.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs In Dowell, Click Here.