Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers - Suffolk, VA.

Vivitrol is a medication mainly administered to 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 type of the drug Naltrexone, that is available through injection once a month. It isn't habit forming, and is what is known as an antagonist. When someone injects Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be triggered by alcohol or opioids, so when an individual drinks alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get drunk or high.

There are certain safety measures that need to be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a client who intends to start Vivitrol needs to have been off of opioids for at least 7-10 days. This includes people who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are being given meds such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin addict or a person who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to endure for at least a week if they want to begin taking Vivitrol.

These medications must be used in conjunction with an addiction treatment program in Suffolk that also offers individual therapy, group therapy and medical supervision. Speak with your therapist or doctor about how pharmacological tools can help you build and maintain the drug-free life you want.

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