The initial stages of recovery can be challenging for individuals, and the risk of relapse can be high. Fortunately, there are options for people recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). One such FDA-approved option that can make a big difference in maintaining one’s newly found sobriety is Vivitrol. Learning more about this drug and how Vivitrol works can help you decide if it could benefit your recovery.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an FDA-approved medication to help prevent relapse in individuals who are recovering from OUD and AUD. Its main ingredient is Naltrexone, which blocks the desired effects experienced when using opioids or drinking alcohol. The medication also helps reduce cravings for opioids and alcohol.
How Does Vivitrol Work?
Vivitrol works by blocking the effects of alcohol and opioids in the brain. It does this by binding to the receptors that produce the pleasurable effects when drinking or using opioids. So, if someone should drink or use opioids, they will not experience the euphoric effects.
How does Vivitrol work to reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids? It is related to the drug blocking any pleasure sensations. Since there is no reward for drinking or using opioids, people no longer find appeal in using them. Additionally, cravings are gradually diminished as the neurotransmitter levels in the brain are restored to normal levels.
Is Vivitrol Effective?
Vivitrol can be an effective service during an alcohol or opioid addiction treatment program. Various studies have shown that people who receive Vivitrol for OUD had fewer relapses, reduced cravings, and were able to successfully remain substance-free. For AUD, research has shown people reduced the volume they drank when they relapsed, with 41% maintaining complete abstinence.
Vivitrol Side Effects
When starting Vivitrol, some people may experience various side effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Muscular and joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Injection site reactions
- Lethargy
These side effects are usually mild to moderate and temporary. As the body adjusts to the medication, the side effects typically subside. However, it is important that any side effects, no matter how mild, be reported.
Severe and Serious Side Effects
In addition to these side effects, in rare cases, some individuals can experience more severe and serious side effects, including:
- Severe reactions at the injection site
- Tissue death
- Intense pain
- Swelling, blisters, and lumps
- Liver damage
- Hepatitis
Vivitrol for Alcohol
When Vivitrol is used as part of AUD treatment, it binds to various receptors in the brain to block the effects of alcohol. It also prevents the forced release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that causes the euphoric and pleasurable effects experienced when drinking.
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Vivitrol for Opioid Addiction
Vivitrol binds to the opioid receptors in the brain and serves as a barrier to the effects experienced should someone relapse and take opioids. As a result, they do not experience any euphoria and are discouraged from using opioids again since there is no reward.
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How Is Vivitrol Prescribed?
Vivitrol is prescribed as part of a comprehensive AUD or OUD treatment plan. Before someone can begin Vivitrol, they must complete an alcohol or opioid detox to ensure all traces of alcohol and opioids are gone. During detox, other FDA-approved medications can be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Once the person has successfully completed detox, they can begin Vivitrol treatment. The medication is given as a monthly injection. The medication starts working within a few hours of the injection. Over the course of the month, its time-release effects will slowly diminish. If another injection is not received on time, the person can experience withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal.
When a person is ready to discontinue Vivitrol use, it is vital the process is medically supervised. They need to be carefully weaned off the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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What Happens if You Take Opiates on Vivitrol?
Taking opioids while on Vivitrol can result in a highly dangerous situation. It is crucial to understand the effects of opioids still occur even when on Vivitrol. So, while the person does not experience them, there is still a risk of overdose. What typically occurs is since the desired effects are not experienced, they take higher amounts of opioids, hoping for the pleasurable effects. Unfortunately, this often results in overdose and potentially death.
What Happens If You Drink on Vivitrol?
If a person relapses and drinks while on Vivitrol, they do not experience any euphoria. As a result, their desire to drink again is reduced. However, the person can still experience the effects of alcohol, such as:
- Reduced cognitive functioning
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Balance and coordination problems
How Much Does Vivitrol Cost?
The cost of Vivitrol will vary depending on the type of insurance coverage one has. The average price per injection is around $1,000. However, Alkermes, the manufacturer of Vivitrol, offers several different assistance programs. These programs can help cover most of the costs of the medication. For example, 91% of those enrolled in the Vivitrol Co-Pay Savings Program had no out-of-pocket expenses for Vivitrol.
Find Vivitrol Treatment in Atlanta
When you are struggling with AUD or OUD or continue to relapse, Vivitrol treatment at Retreat of Atlanta could help you achieve long-term sobriety. We provide comprehensive and personalized treatment plans using evidence-based and holistic therapy modalities. For further information about Vivitrol injections or to start detox treatment, contact us today.
