Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is administered 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 addictive, 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 someone takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, a client who plans to start Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Akutan that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain and build the drug-free life you want.
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