If you’re dealing with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), there are a lot of promising treatment methods to explore. While traditional talk therapy is still an effective option, there are also modern treatment choices like medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Vivitrol is a type of medication that can help some people to manage cravings and avoid intoxication. We’ll explore the effectiveness of Vivitrol for alcohol addiction.
Vivitrol is a medication that can be used in alcohol and opioid addiction treatment. Technically, Vivitrol is a brand-name formulation of naltrexone. However, it differs from standard naltrexone because it comes in a long-acting, injectable form. A Vivitrol shot lasts for about a month, and the whole time it’s in your system, it affects how your body processes alcohol and opioids.
Can you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol? Technically, you can, but it doesn’t work well. Vivitrol changes how your adrenal gland, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus work. This keeps your body from feeling the pleasant effects of alcohol as strongly as before. If you try to consume alcohol, you might not find it as rewarding as you usually do.
In addition to minimizing alcohol cravings, Vivitrol blocks opioid absorption. If you take opioids while on Vivitrol, you may not notice any effects at all. Vivitrol will keep your body from feeling the euphoric intoxication of opioid drugs.
If you’re wondering how effective Vivitrol is, it’s useful to take a look at some common benefits of this medication.
One of the main reasons why so many people appreciate Vivitrol is that it reduces alcohol cravings. Even without any intensive treatment, Vivitrol naturally encourages people to drink less. Research shows it can lower heavy alcohol consumption by up to 25%. Unlike some other types of medication-assisted treatment, Vivitrol is entirely nonaddictive, and you can stop it at any time without withdrawal.
Vivitrol prevents relapses in many ways. By cutting down on cravings, it makes them much easier to resist. Many people who try Vivitrol say that, while they still like the idea of alcohol or opioids in theory, cravings no longer feel overpowering. The knowledge that the effects of substance use will be less pleasant also reduces the incentive to break sobriety. For many patients, there’s no point in sacrificing their hard work to remain sober because they know Vivitrol will keep them from feeling excessively intoxicated anyway.
Some of the benefits of the Vivitrol shot are practical instead of medical. Many other types of alcohol addiction treatment require people to regularly visit a therapist or remember to take a certain medication every day. Since patients receive Vivitrol only once a month, it simplifies treatment and makes the process more straightforward. You don’t need to constantly remember to take your pills, so it’s easier to stay on track with your treatment.
Like most other opioid and alcohol addiction treatments, Vivitrol isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone benefits from getting personalized care that suits their unique needs. Doctors typically recommend Vivitrol if you meet these criteria:
• You have already completed detox
• You haven’t had alcohol or opioids for at least a week
• You do not take any opioid medications like methadone
• You are not allergic or sensitive to naltrexone
• You are able to maintain the once-a-month dosage schedule
• You have a healthy liver
Is Vivitrol safe for long-term addiction recovery? In most cases, it’s a safe and reliable form of treatment. However, it’s still a fairly powerful medication, so as with any other medicine, you need to be aware of potential side effects.
The most common side effect of Vivitrol is simply a bit of discomfort during the initial injection. Some people might also have temporary swelling or soreness around the shot. After the medicine is in your system, you might also notice other side effects such as:
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
These side effects are usually harmless and do not require further treatment. Some people may find side effects improve as they continue to take Vivitrol.
It’s uncommon for people to have more serious reactions to Vivitrol, but it is possible. In some cases, Vivitrol can trigger allergic reactions that cause chest pain, trouble breathing, rashes, and swelling. Allergic reactions to Vivitrol can also lead to an uncommon but treatable type of pneumonia called eosinophilic pneumonia. The other main danger to be aware of is liver damage. Typically, doctors will recommend that patients monitor their liver enzymes, so they can be alerted in case this rare side effect develops.
If you have any of these side effects, you will usually need to discontinue Vivitrol. You will also need to discuss the side effects with your healthcare provider and seek medical care.
Keep in mind that Vivitrol is just one of many medication-assisted treatment choices. If you’re interested in medication for alcohol addiction or opioid addiction, there are other choices to consider.
Both Vivitrol and naltrexone contain the same active ingredients. However, they differ in duration. When you choose the oral route, you usually need to take naltrexone every day. This can require more of a time commitment from you. Also, some people may find it stressful to have to remember to take their medication at the right time.
Suboxone, the brand name for a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is a type of partial opioid. It’s less addictive and harmful than standard opioids but can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When it comes to Vivitrol vs. Suboxone for opioid addiction, Suboxone tends to be slightly more effective. However, Suboxone isn’t advisable for those with alcohol use disorder. Not only may it expose vulnerable patients to a new class of drugs, but it’s also less effective at managing alcohol cravings.
Methadone is another type of opioid agonist that works by replacing opioids without causing all the harmful effects of strong opioid usage. It’s popular and useful for people dealing with opioid use disorder, but there’s less evidence about how it works for people with alcohol use disorder. How effective is Vivitrol compared to methadone? Some research suggests it helps to lower alcohol consumption, but it’s not advisable for treating patients without opioid use disorders. Not only is there a risk of dependency, but methadone can amplify the effects of alcohol and increase overdose risks for people with alcoholism.
Antabuse is the brand name of disulfiram. This medication can be used to treat alcoholism by interfering with alcohol metabolism. When people drink while on Antabuse, they feel quite ill. This negative feedback can help reduce the risk of alcohol relapse. While both can be helpful, many people find Antabuse to be far more drastic. Vivitrol naturally reduces alcohol cravings, while Antabuse directly makes you ill if you drink. Therefore, Antabuse is only a good option if you’re interested in aversion therapy to treat alcoholism.
Vivitrol is a prescription-only drug, which means you’ll need to have it prescribed by a healthcare provider. Usually, this requires you to participate in a treatment program and be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Quite a few alcohol and opioid treatment centers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire offer Vivitrol. However, it can take some time to find a place that works for your needs. First, you’ll need to book a consultation with the center. Depending on your financial situation, you might want to make sure it takes your insurance or see if it provides financial assistance.
After ensuring you’re a good fit, the center will begin providing care. Typically, Vivitrol for opioid addiction or alcohol addiction is given alongside other treatments. You might also receive counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you unpack the triggers behind your addiction. Many treatment centers provide group therapy, too, so you can get encouragement from peers during this difficult time.
If you’re interested in a Naltrexone injection for alcohol and opioids, our team at Middlesex Recovery is here to help you. We provide comprehensive treatment plans that address every aspect of a substance use disorder. From preventing cravings to helping patients rebuild their lives after addiction, Middlesex Recovery is dedicated to help you get on the road to recovery.
Our compassionate, evidence-based treatment can help you or a loved one begin the journey toward an alcohol-free live. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
If opioid addiction is impacting your life or the life of someone you care about, reach out to our treatment center. We are here to provide the support and care you need to take the first step toward recovery.
Call 781.303.9936