Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the drug Naltrexone, that one can get through injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least 7 days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Brentwood that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological aids can help you build the drug-free life you want.
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