Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It isn't addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who with the intent to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of 7 days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Leon that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological aids can help you live the drug-free life you want.