Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs - Lowell, OR.

Vivitrol is a drug used to help prevent drug use and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the drug Naltrexone, which is available via injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.

There are certain precautions that should be be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. First off, a client who intends to begin Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes clients who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of a week in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used as part of a treatment program in Lowell that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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