Dependency on alcohol or other substances is a wide-spread phenomenon in our time. Millions of people experience addiction to substances that severely harm their health. In many cases, therapy is the only option to improve their condition. Typically it consists of two separate aspects: psychotherapy and medication. One important medication used to treat alcohol abuse is Vivitrol. But what is Vivitrol? Continue reading for a definition of Vivitrol.
What is Vivitrol?
In short, Vivitrol, also known as naltrexone, is a medication to block the effects of opioids. This blocking includes the blockage of pain relief or feelings of well-being. Treatment programs generally use Vivitrol for alcohol or drug dependence.
Moreover, it can help prevent patients from becoming dependent on opioids. It is, therefore, injected, and helps the patient to no longer feel a need to use opioids. Vivitrol has the same effect on the wanting of the patient regarding alcohol. While it can help to lower the symptoms of addiction, Vivitrol is not a cure. Its intake should always be accompanied by other therapeutic measures, like psychotherapy.
Vivitrol Therapy
Using Vivitrol is not without risks. To ensure that the patient is ready to take it, the following must happen:
- The patient has no withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or drug addiction
- Has not used any opioid medicine in the past 10 days
- A patient has not used buprenorphine or methadone in the past 14 days
Moreover, the patient should always tell his doctor whether he has one of the following conditions:
- Any kind of kidney disease
- Any kind of liver disease
- Blood-clotting or bleeding disorders like hemophilia
After meeting this criterion, the patient can undergo therapy with the use of Vivitrol. The medication is then injected into the muscles of the patient. Often, the frequency is one injection per month. To get the most out of the medication, Vivitrol is injected on a regular basis. Besides the injection, the patient receives psychological counseling, which includes information about his addiction and its underlying structure.
While the patient is receiving Vivitrol, they should always wear a medical ID or an alert tag, that states his Vivitrol intake. Also, patients should be aware that after the intake, they react stronger to lower amounts of opioids and alcohol.
Are You Searching for Help?
If you are searching for help with addiction, there is help out there. Come to our opiate detox center in Ft. Lauderdale to get the help you need. We provide you with a special program that helps you get away from your drug of choice and live a free life again. Contact us now at 866.294.5306.
