Vivitrol and Suboxone are two medications commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders (OUD) and alcohol addiction as well. In combination with behavioral health counseling, these medications allow medical and addiction specialists to address the person as a whole. That means physical dependence and relapse risk as well as emotional and psychological dependence and triggers. To serve this need, Vivitrol and Suboxone treatment for addiction in Colorado is available at Mile High Recovery Center.
At Mile High Recovery Center, our team makes many decisions about your individualized treatment plan after consulting with you during intake to learn your medical, mental health, and addiction history. If you’re a good candidate for medication-assisted treatment, part of the conversation will be about Suboxone vs. Vivitrol. The main question will be, what is best for you and your circumstances?
Vivitrol treatment is similar to Suboxone treatment. However, the medications operate differently and come with different risks and benefits. If you want to know more about Vivitrol vs. Suboxone and how MAT can help you with your substance use disorder (SUD), reach out to Mile High Recovery Center today using our online form or calling us at 303-268-2144.
Vivitrol Treatment
Vivitrol, also known as naltrexone, is non-narcotic and non-addictive. It helps people with an opioid or alcohol addiction remain abstinent during recovery.
This drug is administered monthly via injection. It functions in the body by binding with the brain’s receptors to block the euphoric sensations, sedative effects, and pain relief associated with opioid or alcohol use.
Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone, each of which plays a key role in its functioning. It is taken daily in the form of a sublingual tablet or film, which bypasses the digestive tract and enters the bloodstream quickly.
The buprenorphine binds to the opioid receptors to reduce cravings and symptoms of withdrawal. In contrast, naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It prevents misuse of the Suboxone and reduces the risk of overdose death in those who relapse.
Suboxone vs. Vivitrol Treatment
Both Suboxone and Vivitrol, when used as part of a MAT plan, offer improved outcomes when compared to drug treatment alone or therapy alone. Below are some facts about the two drugs and their efficacy, as well as some of the drawbacks of each:
- One drawback of Vivitrol is that it’s an opioid antagonist. Therefore, someone with an OUD must be completely abstinent for several days before beginning treatment. If the drug is administered before the last dose of opioid, the body will be thrust into immediate and intense withdrawal. The need to abstain prior to MAT makes Vivitrol challenging and may increase the risk of early relapse.
- A concern with Suboxone is that it’s administered daily. Therefore, the likelihood of missing a dose is greater, especially among people in recovery who are ambivalent or struggling.
- The use of Suboxone is dangerous if the recipient isn’t abstaining from other drugs, such as alcohol or benzos. If someone takes Suboxone while having one of those nervous system depressants in their system, there is a risk of overdose.
- Suboxone tends to result in slightly more clean toxicology screenings and more days of abstinence prior to relapse. There’s also a greater chance of remaining abstinent for every week of sobriety that passes.
- Both Vivitrol and Suboxone when used as part of MAT (which includes therapy) have much greater results for people in recovery than clients receiving behavioral interventions only.
When used as part of evidence-based treatments in a professional rehab center, both Suboxone and Vivitrol offer hope to those who suffer from certain addictions. At Mile High Recovery Center, we consider many things when making decisions about Vivitrol vs. Suboxone in a medication-assisted treatment plan. This would include your goals, challenges, mental health status, underlying physical ailments (if any), and addiction history
Suboxone vs. Vivitrol Treatment at Mile High Recovery Center
You are in good hands at Mile High Recovery Center in the heart of Denver, CO. In fact, our highly trained and compassionate staff has many years of combined experience. This knowledge is then leveraged to support you in your recovery. Whether you end up with Vivitrol or Suboxone in your MAT, our physicians and clinicians will be monitoring your progress both while you are with us and post-discharge.
Find out why MAT is so often considered best practice and how it can help you. Call 303-268-2144 today or complete our online form to connect with someone.
