Vivitrol is a med used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the medication Naltrexone, that is available through a monthly injection. It is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who intends to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Dawson which also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk with your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain and build the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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