Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs - ARP, TX.

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is administered specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the medication Naltrexone, that is available through injection once a month. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone 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 tries to get high on opioids they essentially can't get high or drunk.

There are certain safety measures that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, a person who intends to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least seven days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.

These medications must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in ARP which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk to your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you build the drug-free life you want.

For All Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs In ARP, Click Here.