Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs - East Smithfield, PA.

Vivitrol is a drug used to prevent drug use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the drug Naltrexone, which one can get through a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.

There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week in order to start Vivitrol.

These medications must be used as part of a treatment program in East Smithfield that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the drug-free life you want.

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