Vivitrol treatment for Opioid & Alcohol addiction
At La Jolla Recovery, we firmly believe that medication-assisted treatment, such as Vivitrol, is a positive and well-researched approach to alleviating the discomfort associated with early heroin, opiate, and alcohol abuse detoxification. This approach significantly enhances the chances of achieving successful outcomes.
At La Jola Recovery, we utilize scientific methods like Vivitrol for drug detoxification and its continued use in recovery to ensure sustained sobriety and minimize the risk of overdoses.
An estimated 10% of adults in the United States are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and 30% have binge-drunk. These staggering numbers have made stigma no longer a mere statistical issue. Opioid drugs, including heroin and prescription narcotics, have been the primary culprits behind the surge in overdose death rates since the early 2000s.
Vivitrol is emerging as one of the most crucial medicines for treating these addictions. It is one of the three FDA-approved medications for treating opioid dependence, specifically designed to prevent relapses. Vivitrol injections are administered to detoxed patients who wish to avoid developing physical dependence on these drugs, a treatment that has long been considered an “outlier” compared to more conventional medications. However, as opioid-related hospital deaths continue to rise and the federal government mobilizes lawmakers to address the issue, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Vivitrol is gaining prominence as a reliable and effective rehabilitation solution.
Essential facts about Vivitrol:
Vivitrol is a once-monthly medication for opioid addiction.
Vivitrol, a once-monthly medication, is used to treat opioid addiction.
Combining MAT with Vivitrol injections is both safe and effective.
- Patients receiving Vivitrol injections have a significantly reduced relapse rate, approximately 15 times lower compared to those who did not receive the medication.
- Furthermore, patients tend to remain in treatment for a longer duration when they receive Vivitrol shots compared to those who did not receive the medication.
- Opioid cravings are notably decreased by 55% among individuals taking Vivitrol.
- The treatment process typically spans from nine to twelve months.
- Before starting Vivitrol, it is essential to be free from opioid substances such as heroin and alcohol for at least one or two weeks.
- The effectiveness of Vivitrol is further enhanced when combined with behavioral therapy.
The patient must undergo detoxification first. Subsequently, the injection suppresses cravings and blocks the body’s opioid receptors, rendering users incapable of experiencing euphoria even if they attempt to get high.
Vivitrol differs from Suboxone and Methadone in that it is not addictive. The black market for Vivitrol is nonexistent. Initially, individuals with substance use disorders may experience feelings of distress or discomfort during withdrawal. However, many eventually express gratitude for the treatment. The fortunate among them have not even considered using it since.
How does Vivitrol (injectable Naltrexone) work?
For treatment to be effective, patients in recovery need integrated, holistic treatment plans like those offered at La Jolla Recovery.
In some cases, these plans may include prescriptions for medications specifically designed to treat individuals recovering from opioid or alcohol addiction. One such medication is Naltrexone.
Naltrexone can be taken as either a tablet or an injectable, and most patients are prescribed a daily dose of 50 milligrams.
The injectable form of the drug is called Vivitrol.
Vivitrol is administered intramuscularly at a dosage of 380 milligrams every four weeks. Only licensed healthcare professionals are authorized to administer Naltrexone in any form.
Without fully detoxing from opioids or alcohol, Naltrexone can cause severe withdrawal side effects. Patients must abstain from drugs for at least seven to ten days before starting Naltrexone, including those who have used Methadone and switched to it.
Opioid drugs produce a highly addictive euphoria that completely rewires the brain’s risk, pain, and reward neural pathways. It can be incredibly challenging for individuals addicted to opioids to undergo the withdrawal process and manage cravings without the help of medications combined with customized therapy sessions.
Risk of Overdose and Vivitrol vs. Methadone & Buprenorphine
People who achieve initial sobriety from opioids but relapse are at a high risk of experiencing a fatal overdose. Once someone enters recovery, their body quickly loses its tolerance to opioid drugs. Relapsing users may take more opioids than their bodies can handle, mistakenly believing they still tolerate the drugs. However, taking Naltrexone can reduce this risk.
Naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric and soothing effects of opioid drugs.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) differs from Methadone and Buprenorphine. The distinction between Buprenorphine and Suboxone lies in Suboxone containing both buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex contains only buprenorphine. These medications activate opioid receptors in the body and help reduce drug cravings. In contrast, Naltrexone binds and blocks opioid receptors, reducing cravings and preventing opioid drugs from taking effect if someone relapses.
Naltrexone poses no risk of abuse or diversion because it doesn’t activate opioid receptors in the brain at all. Individuals taking Naltrexone should not only abstain from opioids but also avoid sedatives, tranquilizers, and other illegal drugs.
However, taking Naltrexone will also lower someone’s tolerance to opioids. Patients who relapse may not realize how much more sensitive they are to opioid drugs.
As part of a treatment plan for alcohol addiction, Naltrexone also blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and feelings of intoxication. Naltrexone won’t interact poorly with alcohol if someone relapses. Experts agree that for Naltrexone to be most effective, patients should be on Naltrexone therapy for at least twelve weeks.
Addressing personal needs and dedicating time to recovery are crucial for achieving the long-term success of Vivitrol, including treatment, therapy, and social support, such as the twelve steps. Naltrexone is safe to use indefinitely for treating both alcoholism and opioid addiction. For questions on mental health and dual diagnosis disorders, please reach out to us to accommodate the unique needs of yourself or your loved one.
If you or a loved one is going through the challenges of heroin addiction, La Jolla Recovery can provide the ideal plan for a new beginning.
Vivitrol has had a positive impact on overall well-being, enhancing mental clarity and mood stability. We firmly believe that integrating this medication into our treatment plan, alongside evidence-based strategies like counseling and support groups, can assist clients in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Regardless of your location in the United States, please contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive heroin rehab program and Vivitrol-assisted medication detox.