Vivitrol is a medication used to prevent drug abuse and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended-release type of the drug Naltrexone, that is available via a monthly injection. It isn't addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they essentially cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, a client who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least seven to ten days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least a week in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These medications must be used as part of a treatment program in New Bloomington which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your therapist or doctor in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the sober life you want.
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