Vivitrol Used in Treatment - Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centers - St. Albans, WV.

Vivitrol is a drug mainly administered to prevent drug or alcohol dependency 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 medication Naltrexone, which is available through a monthly injection. It is not habit forming, and is what is called an antagonist. When an individual is adminstered Vivitrol, it cuts off the receptors that would usually be activated by opioids or alcohol, so when an individual takes a drink of alcohol or takes opioids they basically cannot get high or drunk.

There are particular safety measures that should be be taken before someone begins treatment with Vivitrol. First off, a person who plans to begin Vivitrol must have been off of opioids for a minimum of seven to ten days. This is including clients who are involved in opioid maintenance therapy and are taking meds such as Buprenorphine or Methadone. For a heroin abuser or someone who has been taking Methadone for a long time, abrupt cessation can be very difficult, but withdrawal is something they will have to go through for a minimum of a week in order to start Vivitrol.

These medications must be used as part of a rehab program in St. Albans that also offers medical supervision, individual therapy, and group therapy. Speak with your doctor or therapist in regards to how pharmacological tools can help you live the sober life you want.

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