Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. 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 takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get high or drunk.
There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. First off, a client who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Cedars which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you live the sober life you want.
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