Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to help prevent drug 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 drug Naltrexone, that one can get via a monthly injection. It isn't 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 essentially can't get high or drunk.
There are particular safety measures that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. First off, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Southside that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the drug-free life you want.
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