Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the med Naltrexone, that is available via injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get high or drunk.
There are particular precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of a week if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Oakdale that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build the sober life you want.
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