Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers - St. Elmo, IL.

Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug use and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the medication Naltrexone, that is available via a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.

There are particular safety measures that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who intends to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in St. Elmo which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological aids can help you build the sober life you want.

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