Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers - St. James, MN.

Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help prevent drug 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 drug Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It isn't addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.

There are particular precautions that should be be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least 7 days in order to start Vivitrol.

These medications must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in St. James which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you build and maintain the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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