Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable that has helped individuals in recovery by providing a sustained-release, monthly addiction treatment option that works to curb cravings and block the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol.
In recent years, Vivitrol’s impact has been profound, significantly aiding individuals committed to the journey of recovery.
At Nashville Treatment Solutions, offering Vivitrol in Nashville represents not just a medical advancement but a life-altering tool that has helped individuals reclaim multiple lives from substance use disorder.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol, our Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs in Nashville can help.
Call us now at 615-234-9071 or verify your insurance.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a branded formulation of naltrexone, a medication that acts as an opioid antagonist.
Administered as a monthly intramuscular injection, Vivitrol is distinct from other forms of naltrexone due to its extended-release composition, designed to maintain a steady state of the active ingredient in the body over a four-week period.
How Does Vivitrol Work?
Vivitrol operates on a unique mechanism of action within the brain, designed to counteract the pathways involved in alcohol and opioid addiction.
- Opioid Antagonist Properties: Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids interact with. When opioids enter the system, they typically bind to these receptors, triggering the release of dopamine and creating the characteristic ‘high.’ However, Vivitrol has a higher affinity for these receptors, meaning it binds to them more readily than opioids do, though it does not stimulate dopamine release. Therefore, it blocks opioids from attaching to these receptors, preventing any euphoric effect and reducing the overall desire to use opioids.
- Extended Release: Vivitrol is administered as an intramuscular injection, from which it is gradually released into the body over a month. This extended-release mechanism ensures a constant therapeutic level of the medication, allowing for monthly rather than daily dosing. This not only improves convenience for the patient but also enhances compliance with treatment, a critical factor in recovery success.
- Impact on Reward Circuitry: Addiction is closely tied to the brain’s reward centers. Normally, substances like alcohol and opioids hijack these systems, leading to altered reward circuitry and continuous craving cycles. Vivitrol helps normalize the brain’s reward mechanisms by blocking the excessive release of dopamine caused by alcohol or opioids. Over time, this assists in reducing cravings and dependency on the substance.
- Psychological Support Aspect: Knowing that the physical pathway to substance-induced euphoria is blocked, individuals using Vivitrol often experience a psychological shift, feeling more empowered to pursue recovery. This mental aspect, combined with counseling and other therapeutic interventions, contributes significantly to the recovery process.
- Reduction in Relapse Behavior: By blunting the ‘high’ from alcohol and opioids and reducing cravings, Vivitrol plays a crucial role in relapse prevention. Individuals are less likely to seek out their substance of abuse since the physical and psychological reward is diminished.
It’s important to note that while Vivitrol contributes significantly to the recovery process, it is not a standalone solution. Its efficacy is greatly enhanced when used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment program, including therapy and support groups, that address the behavioral, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.
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Nashville Treatment Solutions is an industry leader in addiction treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
What is Vivitrol Used For?
Vivitrol is used primarily in the treatment of alcohol dependence and opioid use disorder. It is intended for individuals who have already been detoxified and is part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support.
Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Vivitrol particularly beneficial for individuals who have had difficulty maintaining sobriety, offering both physiological and psychological support through its unique action within the body’s systems.
Here’s how Vivitrol for alcohol works:
- Craving Reduction: Alcohol addiction is often driven by a compulsive need that doesn’t subside, even when an individual has the desire to quit. Vivitrol, through its action on the brain’s reward pathways, can significantly decrease these cravings, making abstinence more manageable and less distressing.
- Blocking the Reward Cycle: Vivitrol works by blocking these neural pathways, diminishing the sense of reward or pleasure derived from alcohol consumption. This helps our clients with alcohol use disorder break the cycle of addiction, as drinking ceases to provide the same positive feedback it once did.
- Enhancing Abstinence Rates: Vivitrol helps individuals maintain abstinence. Studies have shown that when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, Vivitrol can significantly increase the number of alcohol-free days and continuous sobriety periods. This effect can be particularly pronounced for individuals following a relapse, as the medication helps stabilize their journey back to recovery.
- Improving Quality of Life: Vivitrol has been associated with improvements in overall quality of life and social functioning for individuals with AUD. By supporting sobriety, Vivitrol allows individuals to engage more fully in their relationships, work, and other activities, contributing to a holistic sense of recovery and well-being.
Vivitrol for Opioid Use Disorder
Addressing opioid addiction requires a multifaceted approach due to the substance’s highly addictive nature and the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with it. Vivitrol has emerged as a crucial component in the comprehensive treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) due to its unique properties and effectiveness. Here’s how it supports the journey toward recovery:
- Prevention of Relapse: After detox, individuals are at a high risk of returning to substance use. Vivitrol serves as a physiological safeguard, reducing this risk by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. This makes the consumption of opioids less appealing and helps maintain the individual’s commitment to recovery.
- Management of Cravings: Opioid withdrawal often comes with powerful cravings that can compel individuals toward relapse. Vivitrol works by muting the brain’s reward system responses to opioids, significantly diminishing these cravings. By reducing the brain’s demand for opioids, Vivitrol assists individuals in focusing on their recovery process without the constant battle against urges to use again.
- Non-Addictive Nature: Unlike other treatments for opioid addiction (like methadone or buprenorphine), Vivitrol is non-addictive and doesn’t lead to physical dependence. It also eliminates any ‘high’ derived from treatment, differentiating it from replacement therapies that can sometimes be misused.
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How Effective Is Vivitrol?
The effectiveness of Vivitrol is enhanced when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Studies have shown that it can significantly decrease the relapse rate among individuals recovering from opioid dependency and those with alcohol use disorder. Adherence to the medication schedule, concurrent therapy, and support systems are vital components for success.
How Much Does Vivitrol Cost?
The cost of Vivitrol can fluctuate based on several factors, such as geographical location, healthcare provider fees, pharmacy charges, and the presence or absence of health insurance coverage. Utilizing insurance benefits, the cost of Vivitrol can be significantly reduced. However, to get a estimation of Vivitrol in our rehab programs in Nashville, verify your insurance today.
Other Addiction Treatment Services
Our holistic approach to recovery encompasses a range of services beyond Vivitrol, integrated into our Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Evening IOP programs.
- Suboxone: Another medication-assisted treatment, particularly for opioid dependency.
- Naltrexone: An alternative to Vivitrol injections for combating cravings and maintaining abstinence.
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): A form of psychotherapy for changing patterns of behavior that are not helpful, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): A psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health and change negative thought patterns.
- EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): An interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress.
- Family Therapy: Designed to address specific issues affecting the health and functioning of a family.
- Group Therapy: A form of psychotherapy wherein a small group of patients meet to discuss their issues under the supervision of a therapist.
- Holistic Rehab: Approaches such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture that treat the individual’s overall well-being.
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Why Nashville Treatment Solutions?
At Nashville Treatment Solutions our Vivitrol treatment in Nashville offers specialized expertise in this innovative extended-release naltrexone injection.
Our team has extensive experience administering Vivitrol and understanding its unique benefits for alcohol and opioid addiction recovery. Unlike daily medications that require consistent adherence, Vivitrol provides month-long protection with a single injection, making it an ideal choice for patients who struggle with medication compliance or prefer the convenience of monthly treatment.
We recognize that while Vivitrol provides excellent craving reduction and relapse prevention, the psychological and behavioral aspects of recovery require additional therapeutic support. Our counselors work specifically with Vivitrol patients to maximize the benefits of this medication while building essential life skills and coping strategies.
Begin Medication-Assisted Treatment in Nashville
Our streamlined intake process can have you scheduled for your first Vivitrol injection within days of your initial consultation, and our experienced medical team will guide you through every step of the process.
Don’t let daily medication schedules or concerns about compliance hold you back from the recovery you deserve. Vivitrol offers a unique opportunity to focus on rebuilding your life without the daily reminder of taking medication, while still receiving powerful protection against cravings and relapse.
Nashville Treatment Solutions offers drug and alcohol addiction treatment and mental health treatment in Nashville. Call today to get started.
