Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the drug Naltrexone, that is available through injection once a month. 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 drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for several years, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days in order to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of a rehab program in Plymouth which also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain and build the sober life you want.
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