Vivitrol is a medication 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 version 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 injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who intends to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least 7 days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in Greenwich that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain and build the drug-free life you want.
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