Vivitrol is a powerful medication used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. MAT Care Clinics are committed to exploring all viable addiction treatment options, and Vivitrol has recently become an increasingly popular supplemental tool for achieving long-term sobriety. This blog post will look at some essential Vivitrol facts you should know before beginning the treatment process. Vivitrol facts examined will include vital information like how the medication works and why it might be a good option for treating addiction in many cases.
While you may be familiar with traditional treatment options for addiction recovery, like talk therapy, support groups, or rehabilitation, perhaps those methods have failed you or are not an option due to external sources. In that case, Vivitrol may be a great alternative to recovery that you should consider.
Substance abuse disorders do not discriminate. Addiction doesn’t care who you are or your life experience. It doesn’t matter if you have incredible dreams or your family desperately needs you. Addiction takes everything you have and leaves loved ones desperate to understand how they can help or prevent further destruction. Maybe you’re familiar with the chaos of alcohol or drug dependency on a personal level. Or perhaps you are trying to help someone close that is struggling. Either way, the entire experience can be traumatizing.
These critical Vivitrol facts may help to keep you safe as you experience treatment and may even improve your odds of reaching your long-term sobriety goals.
For more information about your Medication Assisted Treatment options for substance abuse recovery with MAT Care Clinics, call us at (888) 660-6470 or request information here for a free consultation.
What Is Vivitrol and How Does It Work to Treat Addiction?
Vivitrol is a prescription medication commonly used to treat alcohol and opioid dependency in individuals with a history of chronic use. It is an extended-release injectable solution of Naltrexone, which evidence supports helps to treat alcoholism and opioid abuse. An important Vivitrol fact to understand is how the drug works.
Vivitrol works by blocking the receptors in the brain that cause cravings for drugs and alcohol, making it less likely that someone will continue abusing these dangerous substances. Vivitrol essentially keeps patients from getting “high” when they consume alcohol or drugs, which reduces temptation and substance-seeking behaviors and makes this drug an attractive option for many.
Vivitrol also helps reduce the difficult physical symptoms associated with addiction, like withdrawal. In many cases, the fear of withdrawal or becoming “dope sick” keeps many addicts in the cycle of addiction. Vivitrol addresses those issues to improve recovery odds.
Why is Easing Withdrawal with Vivitrol Helpful for Many Addicts?
Vivitrol injections offer many patients with substance disorders a safer and more mild withdrawal experience. Withdrawal symptoms may still occur, but they are typically “softer” and much easier to manage with Vivitrol injections as an aspect of a patient’s treatment. Therefore, this therapy is ideal for many struggling with alcoholism or opioid dependency who need a more comprehensive approach to manage their addiction.
How Long Does Vivitrol Last and How Is it Administered?
Vivitrol’s medication, which lasts up to one month, must be administered by a medical professional and requires monthly follow-up visits to ensure successful treatment. Follow-ups are essential to addiction treatment because they allow providers to overview progress and look for problem areas that may need additional support.
The Vivatrol fact is that patients may need several injections over extended periods to maintain sobriety. Treatment does require dedication to attending visits and abstaining from substances like alcohol and opioids altogether. Vivitrol can help those trying to regain control of their lives and offers immense hope for those seeking relief from their addictions.
Who Can Benefit from Taking Vivitrol Shots?
A Vivitrol fact essential to consider when debating treatment options is what makes this medication unique and who truly benefits from it. Primarily delivered as an injection rather than a pill or liquid form, Vivitrol works differently than other recovery treatments. It is a Vivitrol fact that injection controls dosage and ensures the medication works fast, making Vivitrol a targeted, reliable, and consistent form of treatment.
Vivitrol facts, like how the drug decreases drinking episodes and cravings, which results in higher success rates, are essential to consider. Reviewing research and case studies about the medication may help as you gather additional Vivitrol facts that may be important.
Those hesitant to quit consuming alcohol or opioids because of withdrawal or cravings often benefit from Vivitrol. Additionally, those who have failed other abstinence methods may also benefit from taking Vivitrol.
What Are the Side Effects of Vivitrol?
An important Vivitrol fact many physicians consider when they prescribe the medicine is that there are not many side effects associated with Vivitrol use. Possible side effects some experience include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
Additionally, Vivitrol can cause severe allergic reactions or liver injury in some patients. It’s essential to be aware of these Vivitrol facts and discuss them with your doctor before beginning treatment with Vivitrol. Ultimately, it helps to weigh the risks against the potential rewards when deciding if Vivitrol suits you.
It is also crucial for those taking the medication to consider Vivitrol facts like the outcome of mixing intoxicating substances, such as opioids or alcohol, with the medicine. In many cases, this leads to overdose and hospitalizations.
What Kind of Support System Do You Need When Beginning Treatment with Vivitrol?
While Vivitrol can be an effective tool for recovery, in most cases, it also requires a patient to have an established support system for genuine healing. It is a Vivitrol fact that the medication not be used alone, as its effectiveness is based mainly on having a solid network of individuals who can provide emotional and practical support.
This support network should include family members, close friends, or mental health professionals who can help to guide the patient through the Vivitrol treatments. With the correct type of support system set, Vivitrol can work optimally for the user and ensure the best possible outcome for long-term sobriety.
How Much Does a Vivitrol Shot Cost, and Does Insurance Cover It?
Vivitrol shots usually cost around $1000 per dose, making it unaffordable for many individuals seeking substance abuse treatment who do not have health insurance. Fortunately, many health insurance plans (and Medicaid, in some states) cover Vivitrol prescriptions. The high cost of the medication is a Vivitrol fact that prevents many from accessing the drug. Therefore, checking your insurance plan for coverage options and possible financing is essential.
Is Vivitrol Addictive?
While Vivitrol has proven to be successful in aiding those struggling with alcohol addiction, it has raised concerns over whether it is addictive. Although Vivitrol contains Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids like heroin, its primary focus and biochemical action are to reduce craving rather than replace the “high.”
While Vivitrol carries a risk of dependence among users with histories of substance abuse or addiction, the medication is not addicting. Studies have confirmed the Vivitrol fact that even long-term treatment injections pose no significant increase in the risk of abuse or addiction.
Is Vivitrol Considered a Narcotic?
While it may initially appear that Vivitrol could fit into the definition of a narcotic, this is not the case. Traditional narcotics deliver an opioid-like high or feeling of euphoria. Vivitrol injections do not have this effect on patients. Instead, Vivitrol provides patients extended periods of protection against relapse and is not a narcotic.
MAT Care Clinics and Vivitrol Facts
Vivitrol is a unique and powerful tool that can help those struggling with addiction maintain sobriety. However, it is essential to remember that Vivitrol is not a magic wand and requires a robust support system and commitment to recovery to be truly effective.
If you or someone close struggles with addiction, it might be helpful to discuss these Vivitrol facts with a specialist to determine if it could be right for you. For more information about your options with MAT Care Clinics, call us at (888) 660-6470 or visit us here.
