Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers - South St. Paul, MN.

Vivitrol is a med mainly administered 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 type of the medication Naltrexone, that is available through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks alcohol or takes opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.

There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week if they want to start Vivitrol.

These medications must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in South St. Paul which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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