Vivitrol is a med used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is used expressly 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 is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks or takes opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, an individual who plans to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict 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 at least seven days in order to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in North St. Paul which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you live the drug-free life you want.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers In North St. Paul, Click Here.