Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the med Naltrexone, which one can get through injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least 7 days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Armagh which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological aids can help you build and maintain the sober life you want.
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