Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to help prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the drug Naltrexone, which one can get via a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they essentially cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, an individual who with the intent to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are participating 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 a long time, quitting quickly can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Switchback that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you build the drug and alcohol free life you want.
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