Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers - Ellisville, IL.

Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help 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 addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.

There are particular safety measures that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who intends to begin Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on 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 drugs must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Ellisville that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the drug-free life you want.

For All Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facilities In Ellisville, Click Here.