Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs - Merry Point, VA.

Vivitrol is a medication used to help prevent drug or alcohol dependency and relapse, and is used expressly for alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain killers. Vivitrol is an extended-release version of the medication Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual takes Vivitrol, it blocks the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks alcohol or takes opioids they essentially cannot get high or drunk.

There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. Firstly, an individual who plans to begin Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are participating in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking drugs such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been taking Methadone for several years, abrupt cessation can be brutal, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for at least 7 days in order to start Vivitrol.

These medications must be used in conjunction with a treatment program in Merry Point which also includes medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your therapist or Dr. about how pharmacological tools can help you live the drug-free life you want.

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