Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs - Somerville, VA.

Vivitrol is a drug 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 via injection once a month. It is not addictive, and is what is known as an antagonist. When an individual injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would normally be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when someone drinks or takes opioids they essentially can't get drunk or high.

There are certain precautions that should be be taken before someone is administered Vivitrol. Firstly, a person who intends to start Vivitrol must have abstained from opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes individuals who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking medications like Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or someone who has been on Methadone for a long time, quitting quickly can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of seven days if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.

These drugs must be used as part of a rehab program in Somerville that also includes individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or therapist about how pharmacological tools can help you live the drug and alcohol free life you want.

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