Vivitrol

Every day in the United States, 130 people die from an opioid overdose. Medications like Vivitrol® are part of the treatment for opioid addiction and support the recovery process by reducing your physical cravings for the drug. Dedicated to helping patients recover from their addiction, the experienced team at 2nd Chance Treatment Center offers Vivitrol as a maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. To learn more about Vivitrol and other effective treatments for your addiction, contact the office in Phoenix, Glendale, or Gilbert, Arizona, by phone or online today.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol, also known as naltrexone, is a prescription medication commonly used as part of the treatment plan for drug and alcohol use disorders. The medication stops opioid molecules from attaching to the opioid receptors in your brain without releasing dopamine. 

Vivitrol isn’t addictive and you won’t develop a dependence on the prescription medication once you start use. When part of your addiction maintenance program, Vivitrol reduces your physical cravings for opioids to help you during your recovery. One injected dose placed in the muscle of your buttocks blocks the receptors in your brain for a month. 

The team at 2nd Chance Treatment Center provides your injections for as long as needed. Most patients benefit from at least a year of treatment. However, you can use Vivitrol long-term, or the team may switch to naltrexone, which contains the same active ingredients as Vivitrol but in pill form.

Am I a good candidate for Vivitrol?

The addiction experts at 2nd Chance Treatment Center determine if you’re a good candidate for Vivitrol during your consultation. The medication is used in conjunction with other therapies for those suffering from opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.

If you’re seeking treatment for opioid use disorder, you must stop taking all opioids for seven to 14 days before the team at 2nd Chance Treatment Center can provide Vivitrol. For alcohol use disorder, you must also stop drinking before the team can recommend Vivitrol as part of your treatment plan. 

You aren’t a good candidate for Vivitrol if you have liver damage or disease, or you’re pregnant or nursing. 

How is Vivitrol given?

The team at 2nd Chance Treatment Center provides Vivitrol by injection at the office. After your injection, your body is more sensitive to opioids, and the use of any opioids after your Vivitrol injection may lead to overdose or death.

The team closely monitors you and your health following your injection and provides the therapy you need to manage the psychological and social aspects of your addiction. Common side effects of Vivitrol include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle pain. The medication may also increase your risk of depression and pneumonia.

2nd Chance Treatment Center takes a comprehensive approach to help you recover from your addiction to opioids or alcohol, which includes the use of maintenance medications like Vivitrol. To learn more about Vivitrol and how it can help you, contact the office by phone or online today.