Vivitrol is a med used to prevent drug use and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the medication Naltrexone, which one can get via a monthly injection. It isn't addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are particular precautions that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a rehab program in Utica that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you maintain and build the sober life you want.
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