Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the med Naltrexone, that is available via injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, a person who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Broad Top that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build the drug-free life you want.
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