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

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol 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 drug Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It isn't addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.

There are certain precautions that should be be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. First off, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or a person 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 as part of an addiction treatment program in Sunderland that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain and build the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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