Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the medication Naltrexone, which one can get via a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who with the intent to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or someone who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Windsor Heights that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you maintain and build the sober life you want.
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