Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the drug Naltrexone, that is available through a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a client who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least seven days in order to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in High View which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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