Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Programs - Guthrie Center, IA.

Vivitrol is a med used to prevent drug dependency 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 drug Naltrexone, which is available through injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.

There are certain precautions that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who intends to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least a week if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.

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

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