After its approval by the FDA in 2006, Vivitrol quickly gained traction in the drug and alcohol rehab community because it is a non-narcotic, low-risk medication-assisted treatment (MAT) option. Vivitrol treatment is covered by most insurance plans and is considered one of the most effective and safe MAT drugs available. Vivitrol treatment in Colorado can be found at Mile High Recovery Center, right in the heart of Denver.
Vivitrol treatment is evidence-based, and its efficacy is backed by data, and alcohol and opioid addiction treatment can be supported very effectively by Vivitrol. At Mile High, we see Vivitrol MAT having profound effects on our clients who seek recovery using this option. If you want to learn more, please reach out to us today. You can use our online form or call us at 303-268-2144.
Vivitrol Treatment FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions about Vivitrol, one of the most effective go-to medications for medication-assisted therapy for both opioid and alcohol addiction.
How does Vivitrol work?
Vivitrol, also called Naltrexone, is an opioid or alcohol blocker, also called an antagonist. That means it gets in the way, so the receptors in the brain that normally interact with opioids or alcohol cannot do so. Vivitrol literally prevents users from getting high.
Can I do it on my own?
That is not a good idea. Vivitrol needs to be administered under medical supervision and is most effective in conjunction with therapy. Monitoring by both medical and therapeutic professionals will work with you to track your progress and offer support through the inevitable ups and downs; this protocol is important for the best outcomes. Medical oversight is also recommended because Vivitrol can cause liver damage in some people.
Is Vivitrol addictive?
No, Vivitrol is non-addictive. While you eliminate cravings for opioids or alcohol, you are not developing another dependence on Vivitrol.
How is it administered?
Vivitrol can be taken by mouth, but the recommended delivery method is an intramuscular injection once a month, making it difficult to miss a dose.
What are the side effects?
The great news is there are hardly any side effects. A small number of people may experience short-term nausea, headache, or mood disturbance, but most people have no symptoms.
Are there any risks?
As mentioned above, there is sometimes a damaging effect on the liver, which has to be carefully monitored. There is also a risk of overdose if a client receiving Vivitrol MAT tries to override the
Vivitrol’s effects to get high. Thinking that if they just take enough heroin, Oxy, alcohol, or other substances, they will feel high instead of overdose. It is essential to realize that the antagonist effects of Vivitrol will prevent euphoria and other drug and alcohol effects, and attempting to get high while on Vivitrol is both futile and dangerous.
Is Vivitrol treatment hard to stop?
Because it is non-addictive, there are no withdrawal symptoms when and if Vivitrol treatment ends.
How to Get Started with Vivitrol Treatment
When you are ready to begin your recovery with opioid or alcohol addiction treatment, your therapeutic team will create a treatment plan in partnership with you. If medication-assisted treatment with Vivitrol is part of the plan you agree to, you will have to prepare for it as follows:
- First, you will enroll in inpatient medically supervised detox to manage your withdrawal with minimal discomfort. It is important that you be completely drug and alcohol-free for at least two weeks prior to beginning Vivitrol treatment.
- You will begin therapy such as individual therapy and/or group therapy between your detox and the start of medication-assisted therapy while you wait for your body to be 100% free of any drugs or alcohol.
- As soon as your team determines it is okay to start MAT, you will receive your first injection of Vivitrol.
From there on, your recovery treatment at Mile High will include comprehensive care, with your Vivitrol treatment being a vital piece of the picture.
Mile High Recovery Center–Vivitrol Treatment in Denver
At Mile High Recovery Center, we meet you where you are. If you are ready to learn more about recovery options, ask about Vivitrol and other medication-assisted treatments, and decide if you are ready to seek our support for your journey to sobriety – we are ready too.
Our evidence-based, compassionate alcohol addiction treatment and opioid addiction treatment programs are here for you in the heart of the mile-high city. Just give us a shout. Our online form is easy and fast, and there is someone to answer the phone if you call 303-268-2144.
