Vivitrol is a med 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 drug Naltrexone, that one can get through injection once a month. 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 triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who intends to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes clients who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a treatment program in Loretto which also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you live the drug-free life you want.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers In Loretto, Click Here.