Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to prevent drug abuse and relapse, and is administered expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the medication Naltrexone, which is available via injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by alcohol or opioids, so when someone drinks alcohol or takes opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.
There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before an individual begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who intends to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of 7-10 days. This includes clients who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications such as Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days in order to start Vivitrol.
These meds must be used as part of an addiction treatment program in Roy that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological aids can help you maintain the sober life you want.