New research suggests that Vivitrol is an effective long-term treatment for addiction to heroin or prescription pain killers.

Half of all Vivitrol patients in a recent drug treatment study remained opiate-free for the entire one-year study.

Vivitrol is a medication used to treat addiction to heroin and prescription pain killers.  The non-narcotic medication blocks the effects of heroin or other opiates.

Vivitrol is an injectable, extended-release form of the medication naltrexone.  Patients visit their medical provider once per month to receive a shot.

Study participants were taking part in a one-year extension of an earlier 6-month study.  Treatment included psychosocial support.