Vivitrol is a med used to help prevent drug or alcohol abuse and relapse, and is used specifically for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended release type of the drug Naltrexone, which one can get through a monthly injection. It isn't habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated 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 drunk or high.
There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. First off, a client who intends to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This includes individuals who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given drugs like Methadone or Buprenorphine. For a heroin addict or a person who has been on Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation is very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of 7 days in order to begin taking Vivitrol.
These meds must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Hume which also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you live the sober life you want.