Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used specifically 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 injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. First off, a person who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least 7 days in order to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in West Middlesex which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build the sober life you want.
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