Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse 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 med Naltrexone, which one can get via injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, someone who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of a treatment program in Flanders that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you build the sober life you want.
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