Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers - Chestnut Hill, MA.

Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to help prevent drug use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the drug Naltrexone, that one can get through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.

There are particular precautions that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

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

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