How Does Vivitrol Work?
You want to know how Vivitrol works because staying sober isn’t just about willpower. This monthly injection binds to your brain's opioid receptors, blocking the "high” from opioids and dulling alcohol's buzz. That helps cut cravings and lowers the risk of relapse. However, it only works when timed correctly and paired with the proper support. What happens in your body after the shot, and who benefits most, might surprise you.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the commercial name for naltrexone, a medication administered through a monthly, slow-release injection. It's utilized in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. Each dose contains 380 mg, and individuals need to be opioid-free for 7 to 10 days before initiating treatment.
Approved by the FDA, Vivitrol is part of a comprehensive approach to prevent relapse in individuals with substance use disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with counseling.
Naltrexone works by targeting opioid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce cravings for alcohol without inducing euphoria or leading to dependence.
It's important to note that Vivitrol isn't classified as a narcotic. Common side effects associated with its use include nausea, headaches, and reactions at the injection site.
This treatment can be a valuable component of a recovery plan, helping individuals maintain progress between counseling sessions.
Mechanism of Action: Blocking Opioid Receptors
The process of recovery from opioid dependence encompasses multiple steps, with a key pharmacological intervention being the use of naltrexone, as found in the medication Vivitrol.
Naltrexone works by binding to opioid receptors and effectively blocking them. This action prevents both endorphins and opioids from activating these receptors, thereby reducing the pleasurable sensations that are typically associated with substance use.
By diminishing these sensations, naltrexone helps to curb cravings and supports the cessation of substance use by eliminating the possibility of experiencing a "high." The extended-release formulation of Vivitrol maintains receptor blockade for approximately 30 days, which aids in sustaining abstinence following detoxification.
Additionally, as Vivitrol isn't a controlled substance, it poses a lower risk of misuse. This receptor-level intervention doesn't involve substituting one opioid for another, thereby supporting the recovery process without introducing new dependencies.
How Vivitrol Helps With Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone, an active component in Vivitrol, is an extended-release medication that plays a role in managing alcohol use disorder by targeting opioid receptors. Blocking these receptors diminishes the rewarding effects that alcohol typically induces.
This reduction in reinforcement can subsequently lead to decreased cravings and a lower likelihood of relapse. The FDA approves Vivitrol for treating alcohol use disorder and is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment program.
Before initiating treatment with Vivitrol, individuals are required to achieve abstinence and complete detoxification to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Research indicates that, when used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapy, Vivitrol can contribute to a decrease in heavy drinking days and support prolonged periods of sobriety.
It should be viewed as a component of a broader strategy aimed at maintaining recovery and safeguarding progress. For example, Guidance Detox & Rehab in Utah provides medically supervised detox and a comprehensive recovery plan, ensuring individuals are fully supported during the detox process and their transition to Vivitrol treatment. This holistic approach helps safeguard recovery and maintain lasting sobriety.
How Vivitrol Supports Opioid Use Disorder Recovery
Recovery from opioid use disorder often involves addressing the cycle of reward and craving. Vivitrol can be a useful tool in this process. It functions by binding to receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids for approximately a month, which may help reduce cravings and minimize the risk of relapse.
Before starting Vivitrol, successful detoxification and maintaining abstinence for 7–10 days is necessary, and a naloxone challenge test can be used to confirm readiness for treatment.
As a non-habit-forming medication, Vivitrol supports long-term recovery when combined with counseling. This combination can enhance retention in care and decrease the likelihood of relapse, thereby supporting individuals in sustaining their progress in recovery.
Administration and Dosing Schedule
Vivitrol is administered as a 380 mg intramuscular injection once a month by a healthcare professional, typically into the buttock muscle.
Before administration, the healthcare provider ensures that the patient has completed opioid detoxification and has remained abstinent for 7 to 10 days. The initiation of treatment is preceded by a physical examination, liver function tests, and toxicology screening to ensure the patient's safety and the appropriateness of the treatment.
The effects of each injection last approximately one month, necessitating a regular monthly dosing schedule to maintain protection against relapse effectively. To minimize discomfort, the injection site may be alternated with each visit.
In the event of a missed dose, it's crucial to reschedule promptly to maintain continuous therapeutic coverage and support the recovery process.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
After establishing a consistent monthly injection schedule with Vivitrol, it's essential to understand the potential side effects and safety considerations associated with its use.
Vivitrol functions by blocking opioid receptors, and some common side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, and reactions at the injection site. More serious risks involve hepatotoxicity and potential liver damage; therefore, it's critical to monitor for symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain.
Although rare, severe allergic reactions, including eosinophilic pneumonia, may occur and necessitate immediate medical attention. Before starting Vivitrol, individuals must complete detoxification and abstain from opioids for 7–10 days to avoid precipitated withdrawal symptoms.
It's also important to discuss alcohol use with a healthcare provider, as Vivitrol is used to treat alcohol dependence but can put additional strain on the liver. As a non-controlled substance, Vivitrol presents a lower risk of abuse.
Healthcare providers should develop a comprehensive monitoring plan as part of the treatment strategy to ensure patient safety and efficacy of the medication.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Vivitrol?
A suitable candidate for Vivitrol is typically an individual who's 18 years or older and has completed a detoxification program for either opioid or alcohol use.
The candidate must be able to maintain abstinence before receiving their first injection of Vivitrol. This medication is particularly appropriate for individuals who are committed to achieving sobriety and have a solid support system in place, as these factors can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Vivitrol may also be considered for those who haven't had a positive response to other medications such as methadone or buprenorphine. It's important to note that individuals shouldn't be actively using opioids, as recent opioid use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when starting Vivitrol.
Prior to commencing treatment with Vivitrol, it's essential to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation by healthcare providers. This evaluation should include a review of current medications, liver health, and any potential risks.
If deemed appropriate following this assessment, Vivitrol can be a valuable component of a recovery plan, especially when combined with counseling and accountability measures.
Finding Treatment and Cost Considerations
To begin addressing substance abuse and addiction recovery, it's advisable to research local treatment centers that have expertise in these areas. Confirm that the centers offer medication-assisted treatments, such as Vivitrol, and arrange a consultation with a healthcare professional to evaluate eligibility and available support options.
It is also important to verify insurance coverage beforehand. Contact your insurance provider to understand what portion of the costs for Vivitrol and clinic visits they cover, including any deductibles and copays.
Since prices can differ among treatment centers, request written estimates to compare costs effectively. If the expenses seem substantial, inquire about sliding scale fees or financial assistance programs that may be available.