Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers - Portsmouth, NH.

Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to prevent drug use 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 one can get via injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.

There are particular precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, an individual who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on 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 begin taking Vivitrol.

These meds must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Portsmouth that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build the sober life you want.

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