Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks 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. First off, a client who intends to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week in order to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in Clairton which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you live the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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