Vivitrol is a medication used to prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the drug Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It isn't addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would usually be triggered by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who plans to begin Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given medications such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for several years, quitting quickly is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of 7 days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in New Hartford which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you build the drug-free life you want.
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