Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers - Athens, IN.

Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, which one can get through injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.

There are certain precautions that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who plans to begin Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation is brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least seven days in order to start Vivitrol.

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

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