Vivitrol is a med used to prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the medication Naltrexone, which is available via injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, an individual who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes clients who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a treatment program in Princeton that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build the sober life you want.
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