Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to help prevent drug abuse 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, that is available via injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a client who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least seven to ten days. This is including individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Buda which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological aids can help you build the drug-free life you want.