Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug abuse 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 drug Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are particular precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, an individual who with the intent to begin Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Vanderbilt that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the sober life you want.
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