What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol
Do you struggle with alcohol or opioid addiction, or care about someone who does? One of the biggest innovations in treating people with these substance use disorders is a prescription medication called Vivitrol. What is Vivitrol, and is it part of the detox process?
Outpatient Detox Near Me offers access to Vivitrol to help people get through their detox process without unnecessary suffering. Our medication-assisted treatment is part of what helps so many people do well during detox and go on to live a substance-free life after treatment concludes.
Call us today or visit our admissions page to begin medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
What is Vivitrol?
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved Vivitrol as a prescription drug to help people who have an addiction to alcohol. It was then approved to help treat opioid addiction.
Vivitrol is the brand name for the drug Naltrexone, and is available by prescription only. The drug blocks the effects of opioid drugs and alcohol, such as euphoria and getting high, which makes a person in recovery from alcohol and opioid addiction much less likely to return to abusing the drug. Vivitrol is administered as a once monthly intramuscular injection by a medical professional.
What is Vivitrol Used For?
What is Vivitrol, and what is it used for?
Vivitrol is often included in the treatment of alcohol and opioid addiction as part of a medication-assisted treatment approach to overcoming substance use disorders. Approximately 6.1 million Americans aged 12 and older had an opioid use disorder. As of 2024, about 27.9 million people aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year.
Vivitrol for Opioids
Vivitrol blocks the feelings of being high and euphoric that people crave when they use opioid drugs. As a result, they lose their desire to use opioids again because they don’t get the desired effect. Anyone using Vivitrol should have stopped taking opioid drugs for several days first.
Vivitrol for Alcohol
Someone who is addicted to alcohol can begin using Vivitrol after they have banked several days of not drinking. The benefit of Vivitrol is that, should a person drink alcohol while taking it, it blocks their ability to feel drunk and euphoric. When they cannot achieve a feeling of inebriation, it removes a great deal of the urge to drink again.
Tennessee Treatment Programs That Offer Vivitrol
Once people understand the answer to the question “What is Vivitrol?”, they want to know where they can get it. Outpatient Detox Near Me offers Vivitrol as part of our medication-assisted treatment. This way the individual can go through the detox process while still living in their own homes and having access to medical support, including drugs like Vivitrol.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid withdrawal is notorious for its intensity, often described as a mix of severe flu symptoms, psychological distress, and overwhelming cravings. For many people, fear of withdrawal is one of the biggest barriers to starting recovery. MAT helps remove that barrier.
We offer several medication options for individuals detoxing from opioids, including:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex): A partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a full high. Buprenorphine is commonly used in outpatient settings and allows for increased flexibility.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids altogether. This option requires a full detox before starting and is ideal for individuals focused on abstinence-based recovery.
These medications are carefully managed to prevent misuse, and dosing is individualized to support long-term success.
Recommended: Addiction Treatment Medication: What It Is and How It Works
How Long Does Vivitrol Last?
An injection is given monthly and will last for the entire month. The person must travel to a treatment facility to receive the shot and speak to the prescribing clinician about how it’s working for them and any side effects they experience.
Potential Side Effects of Vivitrol
Anyone can experience side effects from using a prescription drug. Vivitrol can cause side effects but they are mostly short-term.
Common side effects of Vivitrol include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscular pain
- Injection site reactions
It’s important that the person keep their prescribing clinician informed about their side effects.
Why Outpatient Detox Near Me
Outpatient Detox Near Me gets to know a person before we devise a plan that meets their specific needs.
This helps us choose the right types of therapies and prescription medications that offer both medical and psychological support to help people emerge from their detox process refreshed and ready to stay sober. Our treatment facility is licensed, modern, and staffed by professionals who know how to help people overcome alcohol and opioid addictions.
Dr. Jawaun Lewis
Medical Review By
Dr. Lewis has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, specializing in mental and behavioral health as well as substance abuse treatment. He earned his medical degree from the Oklahoma State University for Health Sciences in Tulsa. Dr. Lewis entered the field of psychiatry in 2002.
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Evidence-based outpatient treatment consistently delivers superior recovery outcomes compared to detox-only programs.
Begin MAT Near You Today
Are you ready to turn your life around and put your substance use disorder behind you?
Outpatient Detox Near Me offers a game-changer program that allows people to detox without checking into a 24/7 facility. Our addiction experts provide the medical and emotional support necessary to get through the challenging first days of recovery. Our combination of therapies and medication management allows people to regain control of their lives and move on without needing alcohol or opioids.
Contact us today for more information about how using Vivitrol can kick-start you into recovery. Let us help you determine the right approach for your detox.
FAQ About Vivitrol
Can You Drink on Vivitrol?
If you are taking Vivitrol for opioid addiction, it’s possible you can drink in moderation. Ask your prescribing clinician if it’s alright to drink alcohol while using the medication. If you are taking Vivitrol for alcohol addiction, you should not consume any alcohol.
Still, if you are in a detox program to recover from substance abuse, you should abstain from any drug or alcohol use—not just the one that brought you into treatment. Otherwise, you may develop an addiction to the other substance, replacing one for another.
Does Insurance Cover Vivitrol?
Most insurance plans cover some sort of treatment for substance use disorders. Contact your insurance company and ask them how to get Vivitrol covered under your plan.
How Do I Get Vivitrol?
Speak to your primary care physician or an addiction treatment center about whether you are a good candidate for Vivitrol. It is a prescription drug and should be taken according to direction.
Is Naltrexone The Same As Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for Naltrexone.