Vivitrol is a drug used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency 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 med Naltrexone, that one can get via a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks or takes opioids they essentially cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of seven days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in South Elgin which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug-free life you want.
For All Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers In South Elgin, Click Here.