Vivitrol Treatment in New Jersey

Vivitrol Treatment Programs in New Jersey What to Expect

Living with substance use disorders is overwhelming, and it can feel challenging to find the help that you need. As more research is being done around addiction treatment, new therapies are becoming available.

One option that is becoming more widely used is treatment through the use of a medication known as Vivitrol. Vivitrol has been an effective tool in the treatment of people with addiction to opioids and alcohol.

What is Vivitrol?

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Vivitrol, also known by its generic name naltrexone, is a non-addictive medication treatment for people who have an addiction to opioids or alcohol. This medication comes as an intramuscular injection administered once a month.

Vivitrol is not meant to be used while going through detox but rather as a supportive measure once detox has been completed. Vivitrol was initially approved by the FDA in 2006 for use in patients with alcohol addiction. In 2010, the FDA extended its approval to include Vivitrol injections as a treatment for opioid dependency.

How Vivitrol Works

Vivitrol (generic name, naltrexone) is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t activate them. Instead, it blocks them, preventing opioids from attaching to these receptors and producing their effects, including euphoria and sedation. By blocking these receptors, naltrexone helps reduce cravings and can discourage opioid use, as the person won’t experience the “high” even if they take opioids.

Once detox is completed, the patient can visit their doctor to discuss starting Vivitrol treatment as part of their recovery process. The doctor will complete a physical exam, liver function tests, and toxicological screenings. Once administered, Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol and results in reduced cravings.

The exact length of time that Vivitrol remains in a person’s system will vary. Because the injection is given intramuscularly, it typically lasts between 28 and 30 days.

Vivitrol Side Effects

All medications come with side effects, and this does not exclude Vivitrol. Initially, you are likely to experience a slight injection site reaction of redness or tenderness. Fortunately, there are not many other common side effects with Vivitrol, and when they do occur, they tend to be minimal and disappear within a short period.

Common side effects are:

Dizziness
Nausea
Headache
Joint Pain
Chest Pain
Diarrhea
Muscle aches
Insomnia
Fatigue

In extremely rare cases, people may experience symptoms of depression such as:

Feeling hopeless
Feelings of sadness
Crying spells
Thoughts of suicide

If you experience a severe reaction at the injection site or new symptoms of depression while undergoing Vivitrol treatment, it’s essential not to take these moderate to severe side effects lightly. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Vivitrol as a Part of Addiction Treatment

Vivitrol works best when used with a complete substance abuse treatment program. This program should include therapy, counseling, and support from peers. Many addiction treatment centers offer Vivitrol injections to people who qualify during and after their treatment.

Vivitrol is a helpful tool for reducing cravings and minimizing the risk of relapse. However, to address the deeper causes of addiction, it’s important for patients to engage in group counseling, individual therapy, and peer support groups, such as the 12 Steps. These support systems play a crucial role in building a solid foundation for recovery that complements the benefits of medications.

Common forms of addiction treatment are:

Holistic therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Family therapy
Medication management
Aftercare planning

Individuals need to consult with their doctor before discontinuing Vivitrol. Stopping the medication without proper guidance may increase the risk of relapse. A healthcare professional’s advice is crucial in this decision-making process.

Is Vivitrol Right for You?

Prescription medications have proven effective for many years in treating alcohol and opioid addiction. For instance, Campral is commonly used to prevent relapse after alcohol detox, while Suboxone serves as a treatment for opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

While these medications can be beneficial during and shortly after the detoxification process, Vivitrol is designed to provide support over a longer duration, helping individuals maintain their recovery.

A study tested two groups of people with opioid addiction. One group received Vivitrol and counseling, while the other group received a placebo and counseling. Results showed that those using Vivitrol were 17 times less likely to relapse due to physical dependence compared to the placebo group. The Vivitrol group also had fewer cravings and remained in treatment for a longer period of time.