Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug 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 one can get via injection once a month. It is not addictive, 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 drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, someone who plans to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This is including people 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, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used as part of a rehab program in Drexel that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the drug-free life you want.
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