Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers - Western Springs, IL.

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the medication Naltrexone, which is available via injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.

There are particular precautions that need to be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who intends to begin Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs such as 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 a minimum of a week if they want to start Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Western Springs which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the drug-free life you want.

For All Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers In Western Springs, Click Here.