Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the drug Naltrexone, that is available through injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are particular precautions that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, someone who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of a week if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Houston that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with 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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