Millions of people in the United States struggle with opioid abuse or addiction. People may become addicted to opioids after using prescription painkillers or abusing other opioid drugs. It can be very challenging to overcome opioid dependence, and many people require intensive treatment to quit using these potent drugs.
Comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs offer intensive support for people struggling with opioid abuse. These programs use a combination of medications, education, behavioral therapies, and other interventions to help people stop using opioids for good.
Vivitrol is a medication that doctors can use to help people overcome opioid and alcohol use disorders. This article will explore the benefits of Vivitrol therapy. You will learn:
- How Vivitrol works
- The benefits of using Vivitrol
- Potential side effects during Vivitrol therapy
- Where to find comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs
If you or someone you love struggles with opioid abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out to ask questions, verify your health insurance coverage, or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an FDA-approved prescription drug that contains naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid agonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids like codeine, morphine, heroin, and oxycodone.
People receive a monthly dose of Vivitrol through an intramuscular injection. A healthcare professional delivers an injection of Vivitrol each month, reducing the need for daily medication.
Those with opioid use disorder and those being treated for alcohol dependence may receive Vivitrol during inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. The ingredients in Vivitrol can reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Using Vivitrol in the earliest stages of recovery can also reduce the risk of opioid overdose.
How Does Vivitrol Therapy Work?
Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids, reducing the risk of abuse and overdose. It also reduces cravings in people recovering from alcohol or opioid use disorders. People may receive Vivitrol therapy as part of a comprehensive MAT program in inpatient or outpatient settings.
People must complete detox before starting Vivitrol therapy. People must complete the Naloxone challenge test before receiving Vivitrol. This test involves giving a person a dose of Naloxone and watching for withdrawal symptoms. Performing this test ensures that Vivitrol therapy will be safe for a patient.
Once a doctor has approved someone for Vivitrol therapy, they can begin treatment. A healthcare professional must administer Vivitrol. People usually receive a monthly injection in the buttock muscles. People who receive Vivitrol may be required to remain in the doctor’s office for a short period so their treatment team can monitor for side effects.
5 Benefits of Vivitrol
Many medical and addiction specialists believe Vivitrol is one of the most effective medications used during opioid and alcohol use disorder treatment. Here are some of the significant benefits of Vivitrol therapy.
Fewer cravings
Vivitrol contains naltrexone, which binds to the brain’s opioid receptors and counteracts the effects of these drugs. The effects of Vivitrol can drastically reduce cravings for opioids, which can reduce the risk of relapse during recovery.
Monthly treatment
People receive a monthly injection of Vivitrol, eliminating the need for a daily medication. Not having to remember a daily medication can increase the likelihood that someone will continue treatment.
No risk of addiction
Unlike other drugs used to treat opioid addiction, Vivitrol does not have a risk of abuse or addiction. It does not cause euphoria or other desirable side effects that may lead to abuse. People may stop taking Vivitrol without the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Lower risk of side effects
Many of the drugs used to treat opioid addiction have the potential for side effects. Vivitrol users may experience some side effects, but they are typically mild. Most do not experience any serious side effects.
Better outcomes
Research shows that medically-assisted treatment (MAT) programs have better outcomes than other treatment approaches. Vivitrol therapy can reduce cravings, allowing people to maintain their abstinence from opioids. In addition to taking Vivitrol, people must also receive counseling, education, and other holistic therapies to support long-term addiction recovery.
Potential Vivitrol Side Effects
Vivitrol is less likely to cause side effects than other drugs used to treat opioid addiction. However, some people may be sensitive to the effects of this drug. It may cause mild or serious side effects in some cases.
Some of the most common mild side effects of Vivitrol include:
- Diarrhea
- Toothache
- Joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Sleep problems
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Muscle cramps
- Drowsiness
In rare cases, people may experience more severe side effects, including:
- Depressed mood
- Allergic reaction
- Liver damage
- Severe injection site reaction
Some of these side effects may require hospitalization or emergency treatment.
It is also critical to complete detox before receiving Vivitrol injections. If someone receives it before completing detox, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
People who stop taking Vivitrol may have an increased sensitivity to opioids, making them more likely to have an overdose if they use opioids again. This can happen even when people do not take large amounts of opioids.
Call your healthcare provider or the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about Vivitrol therapy.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with opioid abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the treatment, support, and resources you need at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule appointments.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options
- JAMA Network: Efficacy and Tolerability of Long-Acting Injectable Naltrexone for Alcohol Dependence
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Extended-release injectable naltrexone for opioid use disorder: A systematic review
- Psychiatry Online: Naltrexone and Alcohol Use
