Vivitrol Shot: Uses, Cost & Treatment
Vivitrol, a form of the medication naltrexone, is an extended-release injectable that has helped individuals in reecovery by providing a sustained-release, monthly 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. Its ability to support and maintain abstinence has been documented through numerous clinical studies, showing reduced relapse rates and a genuine return to normalcy for those struggling with addiction. Vivitrol’s introduction into the continuum of care represents not just a medical advancement but a life-altering tool that has helped individuals reclaim their lives from addiction.
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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.
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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.
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
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 a deeper insight into its impact:
Craving Reduction: One of the primary benefits of Vivitrol in the treatment of AUD is the reduction of cravings. 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 dampen these cravings, making abstinence more manageable and less distressing.
Blocking the Reward Cycle: Alcohol stimulates the brain’s reward centers, causing a release of endorphins and dopamine, which contribute to the feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Vivitrol works by blocking these neural pathways, diminishing the sense of reward or pleasure derived from alcohol consumption. This interruption helps individuals with AUD break the cycle of addiction, as drinking ceases to provide the same positive feedback it once did.
Enhancing Abstinence Rates: By removing the immediate reward of alcohol consumption and reducing cravings, 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: Beyond the direct effects on alcohol consumption, 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: The primary benefit of Vivitrol in treating OUD is its ability to prevent relapse. After the challenging phase of detoxification, 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. This characteristic is vital because it means individuals can focus on their recovery without the risk of substituting one addiction for another. It also eliminates any ‘high’ derived from treatment, differentiating it from replacement therapies that can sometimes be misused.
Compliance and Consistency in Treatment: Unlike daily administration of oral medications, a monthly visit for a Vivitrol injection reduces the possibility of forgetfulness or intentional skipping of doses, providing a steady and consistent therapeutic level of the medication, crucial for recovery stability.
How Effective Is Vivitrol?
How Much Does Vivitrol Cost?
Other Services We Offer
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.
