Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a client who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or a person 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 a minimum of 7 days in order to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of a rehab program in Hickory that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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