Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help 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 type of the med Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser 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 go through for a minimum of 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a treatment program in Junedale which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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