Vivitrol is a med mainly administered to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used 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 through a monthly injection. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone takes a drink of alcohol or tries to get high on opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.
There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before an individual is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who with the intent to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or a person who has been on Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for a minimum of 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These medications must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Pawleys Island that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the sober life you want.
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