Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol use and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription medications. Vivitrol is an extended release version of the medication Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically can't get high or drunk.
There are certain precautions that need to be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have abstained from opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This is including people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been taking Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week in order to start Vivitrol.
These drugs must be used in conjunction with a rehab program in Fair Play that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or Dr. in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the sober life you want.
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