Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs - Southwest, PA.

Vivitrol is a med used to 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 drug Naltrexone, which is available via injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they essentially cannot get high or drunk.

There are particular safety measures that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, an individual who intends to begin 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 such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Southwest that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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