Vivitrol
Vivitrol Therapy & Treatment
Withdrawal is the crux of overcoming alcohol and opioid dependence. One treatment Restorative Brain Center provides is Vivitrol, an alcohol- and opiate-blocking medication used to help you stay strong through withdrawal.
What Is VIVITROL?
VIVITROL is a prescription medication created to help overcome opioid and alcohol addiction. This treatment is a once-a-month injection that has been clinically proven to help prevent relapse when taken alongside counseling. To qualify for VIVITROL treatment, you or your loved one must be post-detoxification (7 to 14 days opioid-free) to avoid sudden opioid withdrawal.
VIVITROL contains naltrexone and works by blocking opioid molecules from attaching to your brain’s opiate receptors. In essence, VIVITROL safely reduces cravings for opioids and decreases symptoms associated with withdrawal. It is also effective for alcohol abuse.
Each person is unique and therefore may require a different length of treatment, although it is typically recommended that patients receive VIVITROL for at least one year alongside counseling, support, and lifestyle changes.
Talking to your doctor about VIVITROL is the best way to learn more about this life-saving drug.
VIVITROL can significantly increase the odds of overcoming opioid and alcohol abuse if taken with counseling and support.
In a 6-month study, 55% of users self-reported a decrease in their opioid cravings, compared to 3% in the placebo group. The study also concluded that VIVITROL patients stayed in treatment for 168 days on average and were 17x less likely to relapse.
VIVITROL is only effective if the patient has stopped taking opioids for 7 to 14 days. If taken during opioid use, it may lead to sudden opioid withdrawal–overdose, injury, or death.
There are many side effects from VIVITROL, including the risk of overdose, severe skin reactions at the injection site, sudden opiate withdrawal, and more. Learn about all side effects on VIVITROL’s safety information page.