Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers - Mellenville, NY.

Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug dependency and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the med Naltrexone, that one can get via injection once a month. It isn't addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone takes 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 need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, someone who intends to begin 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 abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used as part of a rehab program in Mellenville that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the sober life you want.

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