Vivitrol is a med used to help prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the drug Naltrexone, which one can get through injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who intends to start Vivitrol needs to 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 meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, 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 in conjunction with a treatment program in Weatherly which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological tools can help you build the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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