Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs - Sudbury, MA.

Vivitrol is a medication used to prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is administered expressly 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 via a monthly injection. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or takes 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. First off, a person who plans to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict 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 at least 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These medications must be used as part of a treatment program in Sudbury which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you build the drug-free life you want.

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