Treating Alcohol Addiction with Vivitrol (Naltrexone): We Answer All Your Questions

If you’ve struggled with addiction, then you know how difficult it can be to maintain sobriety. There are about 24 million Americans with substance addictions, and statistics show that 25-50% of addicts will relapse within two years after treatment. That’s why it’s important to maintain regular care after rehab to ensure your best chance of lifelong sobriety.

At 2nd Chance Treatment Center, your sobriety and well-being are our top priority. We want to ensure that you have a successful recovery and can maintain your sobriety, so that you can live a long and healthy life, free of drug and alcohol dependency. That’s why we use Vivitrol®  (Naltrexone) as an option for keeping you sober after rehab.

How Vivitrol works

Vivitrol is not addictive. A great addition to therapy and regular counseling, Vivitrol can help prevent relapses after drug and alcohol addiction.

Vivitrol works by blocking opioid molecules that attach to opioid receptors, effectively curbing cravings and preventing relapses. It’s important to note that taking drugs or alcohol while on Vivitrol can result in injuries, coma, and even death. It’s extremely important that you don’t take drugs or alcohol while you’re on Vivitrol. It’s also important to note that this medication is not recommended for pregnant women.

Patients must be substance-free for a minimum 7-14 days before taking Vivitrol, or the interaction of the substances and the medication could result in withdrawal symptoms and even fatality. For this reason, it’s recommended that patients start Vivitrol after a detox. 

How Vivitrol can help you 

Unlike other medications for treating addiction, Vivitrol is only injected once a month. This is quite convenient, as you don’t have to worry about remembering to take daily medications. We can administer the drug in a simple outpatient visit.

Vivitrol is the first non-narcotic, non-addictive extended-release medication that’s FDA-approved for treating opioid dependence. FDA trials discovered that patients who took Vivitrol were more likely to remain in treatment and to maintain sobriety. 

Here at 2nd Chance Treatment Center, we’ve found that it’s an incredibly helpful addition to treatment plans, including regular counseling and psychiatric therapy. 

If you struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, Vivitrol could be the right medication to give you your best chance at lifelong recovery. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.