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

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is administered specifically 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 is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.

There are particular precautions that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who intends to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This is including individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These medications must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Villanova that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain and build the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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