What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol helps those with AUD reduce their cravings and avoid alcohol. It’s an extended-release injection of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vivitrol in 2006 to treat AUD.
Vivitrol is an increasingly popular treatment option for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). According to clinical studies, it effectively reduces drinking behaviors and relapse rates when part of a comprehensive treatment program.
How Does Vivitrol Work?
Vivitrol blocks the brain’s receptors that create pleasurable feelings associated with consuming alcohol, reducing cravings and making relapses less likely. Vivitrol has become a popular choice for treating AUD as it offers many benefits over other medications commonly used to treat this condition, such as:
- disulfiram
- naltrexone orally
- acamprosate
Unlike most other medications used to treat AUD, recipients take Vivitrol once every four weeks, allowing patients to receive the help they need without having to attend daily meetings or take pills regularly. This can make it easier for some individuals to stay on track with their treatment plan since they do not have to remember to take a pill each day.
Additionally, Vivitrol does not cause intoxication or euphoria. It is an ideal solution for those looking for long-term sobriety solutions. It is available through many medical providers, and most insurance plans cover it.
Vivitrol for AUD: Prescribing Vivitrol
Professionals often prescribe Vivitrol after individuals detoxify. This can be through entering into rehabilitation programs or attending 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). The purpose is to reduce cravings and help people stay sober after these programs have ended.
Due to its long-term action, Vivitrol provides a greater sense of safety than other forms of treatment. It lasts up to four weeks between doses, making relapse far less likely.
Vivitrol for AUD: Its Role in Recovery
In addition to helping individuals remain abstinent from alcohol use, Vivitrol also works with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help reduce cravings and further prevent relapse. It is particularly effective when combined with non-pharmacological therapies like talk therapy and support groups such as A.A. and SMART Recovery®.
Vivitrol works best when combined with proper professional guidance that assists individuals in the following:
- Developing healthier drinking patterns or abstaining completely
- Managing stressors that lead them into relapse situations
- Providing potential triggers related to one’s drinking history so that these can be addressed beforehand or avoided altogether in the early recovery stages
Another benefit of Vivitrol is its ability to prevent overdose due to its long-acting nature. Because Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids, it means that if someone slips up and uses an opioid drug while on Vivitrol, they are less likely to experience an overdose. This is because the drug will not produce the same effects as it usually would without Vivitrol in their system. This makes Vivitrol beneficial, particularly in cases where opioid addiction is part of the equation alongside alcohol abuse disorder (AUD.) This provides another layer of protection against deadly consequences should someone consume an illicit opioid while attempting abstinence from both substances.
In a Nutshell
Overall, Vivitrol provides effective relief from symptoms associated with AUD while carrying fewer risks than other traditional treatments, such as daily oral doses of naltrexone or disulfiram tablets.
Vivitrol also complements non-pharmacological forms of therapy exceptionally well. It provides added protection against potential overdoses when substance abuse disorders are involved simultaneously with both drugs and alcohol. To find out more information, contact Renew Health to begin your path to a new start.
