Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the med Naltrexone, that one can get through injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol 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 someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a client who with the intent to begin Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of seven days if they want to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used as part of a treatment program in Esko which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.