Vivitrol is a med used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the medication Naltrexone, which one can get via injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks or takes opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, an individual who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. 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 endure for a minimum of seven days in order to start Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Mora that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you build and maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.