Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the med Naltrexone, which one can get through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who with the intent to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This is including clients who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least a week if they want to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in Wales which also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk with your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain the drug-free life you want.
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