Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol dependency 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, which is available through injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual takes 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 takes opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten 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 taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least seven days in order to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Lawrenceville that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to 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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