Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs - Oakland Gardens, NY.

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol 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 drug Naltrexone, which one can get via injection once a month. It isn't addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get drunk or high.

There are particular precautions that should be be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least seven days if they want to start Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used as part of a treatment program in Oakland Gardens that also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you maintain and build the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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