Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, that one can get through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who intends to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of a week in order to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Renfrew that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the sober life you want.
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