Vivitrol is a leading medication used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Approved in 2010 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vivitrol helps prevent relapse after an individual fully detoxes from opioids. Unlike other medications, including methadone and buprenorphine that can be taken during the detox process, it is extremely important that Vivitrol is not used until detox is complete. Taking Vivitrol too soon can trigger the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms. Individuals must wait 7-14 days after detox to begin treatment with this medication. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

How does Vivitrol work?

Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it fully attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking any pleasurable effects that the use of opioids could produce. Any attempt to abuse opioids will yield no desirable results, such as a sense of euphoria or relaxation. The once-monthly injection provides effectiveness for approximately 30 days. Because Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, someone who abuses opioids will not get the effect they are looking for. While this is how the medication is supposed to work, there are instances where individuals will use excessive amounts of opioids to overpower Vivitrol. When this occurs, the risk of overdose increases exponentially. Combining Vivitrol with social support and psychotherapy helps patients recover from opioid relapses and promotes recovery. At Wave Treatment Center, our medical staff administers Vivitrol injections. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

How does Vivitrol help with opioid dependence?

Vivitrol helps prevent opioid use relapse after an individual has fully detoxed from opioids. Wave Treatment Centers has extensive experience introducing Vivitrol during the transition from active opioid dependence to early recovery. We can provide the outpatient detox services necessary for your success. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

How does Vivitrol help with alcohol dependence?

Vivitrol can help heavy drinkers struggling to manage their symptoms. The active drug in Vivitrol, naltrexone, is FDA approved for treating both alcohol and opioid use disorders. Vivitrol blocks the pleasurable feelings associated with drinking to cut down on cravings, reduce drinking, and maintain sobriety. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

Who is Vivitrol good for?

Vivitrol has proven to be highly effective for individuals struggling with opioid dependence or alcohol dependence. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of medication called naltrexone. Naltrexone is also available as an oral tablet for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Oral naltrexone is most commonly prescribed for later stages of recovery. Individuals recovering from opioid use disorder often experience difficulty with cravings for continued use. Intense cravings are common, especially in those dependent on opioids in the past. Dependence refers to an individual being physically unable to stop using opioids without developing withdrawal symptoms that can range in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening. Those individuals tend to see the most success when Vivitrol is incorporated into their overall treatment plan, as it can help curb cravings and extend their early recovery period. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

Who won’t benefit From Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is not appropriate for patients in whom ongoing prescribed opioids are necessary, like those for chronic pain management. Wave Treatment Centers has expertise in managing chronic pain and can help determine if alternative treatment options are available. Because of how Vivitrol (a long-acting injectable naltrexone) binds to and blocks (antagonist) opioid receptors, administration of naltrexone in either form can precipitate opioid withdrawal if given too soon after discontinuing opioids (typically between 7-10 days). When this occurs, there is a risk of opioid overdose. However, there are circumstances when Vivitrol can be given before this time frame. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

Does insurance cover Vivitrol treatment?

While every insurance plan is different, your insurance company may offer coverage for Vivitrol treatment of alcohol or opioid dependency. If you are considering Vivitrol, our caring staff will help you determine what your options are for insurance or other payment plans. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

Vivitrol

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Alcohol and opioid abuse can lead to a physical dependency on either substance — regular injections of Vivitrol after detox can prevent relapse and overdose during addiction recovery. It can be a powerful tool in treating your opioid or alcohol use disorder. Since its approval by the FDA in 2010, Vivitrol has been a powerful aid to care practitioners supporting patients in their recovery and sobriety.

At Wave Treatment Centers in Chestnut Hill, PA, we can introduce Vivitrol injections into your care plan as soon as your detox is complete. Using Vivitrol as part of your medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is just one of the approaches that can help you finally achieve your recovery goals.

Vivitrol FAQ >>

How can Vivitrol help you?

Dr. Jonathan A. Beatty, M.D.

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Vivitrol Treatment FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a leading medication used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Approved in 2010 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vivitrol helps prevent relapse after an individual fully detoxes from opioids.

Unlike other medications, including methadone and buprenorphine that can be taken during the detox process, it is extremely important that Vivitrol is not used until detox is complete. Taking Vivitrol too soon can trigger the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms. Individuals must wait 7-14 days after detox to begin treatment with this medication.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
How does Vivitrol work?

Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it fully attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking any pleasurable effects that the use of opioids could produce. Any attempt to abuse opioids will yield no desirable results, such as a sense of euphoria or relaxation. The once-monthly injection provides effectiveness for approximately 30 days.

Because Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, someone who abuses opioids will not get the effect they are looking for. While this is how the medication is supposed to work, there are instances where individuals will use excessive amounts of opioids to overpower Vivitrol. When this occurs, the risk of overdose increases exponentially. Combining Vivitrol with social support and psychotherapy helps patients recover from opioid relapses and promotes recovery. At Wave Treatment Center, our medical staff administers Vivitrol injections.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
How does Vivitrol help with opioid dependence?

Vivitrol helps prevent opioid use relapse after an individual has fully detoxed from opioids.

Wave Treatment Centers has extensive experience introducing Vivitrol during the transition from active opioid dependence to early recovery. We can provide the outpatient detox services necessary for your success.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
How does Vivitrol help with alcohol dependence?

Vivitrol can help heavy drinkers struggling to manage their symptoms. The active drug in Vivitrol, naltrexone, is FDA approved for treating both alcohol and opioid use disorders. Vivitrol blocks the pleasurable feelings associated with drinking to cut down on cravings, reduce drinking, and maintain sobriety.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
Who is Vivitrol good for?

Vivitrol has proven to be highly effective for individuals struggling with opioid dependence or alcohol dependence. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of medication called naltrexone. Naltrexone is also available as an oral tablet for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Oral naltrexone is most commonly prescribed for later stages of recovery.

Individuals recovering from opioid use disorder often experience difficulty with cravings for continued use. Intense cravings are common, especially in those dependent on opioids in the past. Dependence refers to an individual being physically unable to stop using opioids without developing withdrawal symptoms that can range in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening. Those individuals tend to see the most success when Vivitrol is incorporated into their overall treatment plan, as it can help curb cravings and extend their early recovery period.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
Who won’t benefit From Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is not appropriate for patients in whom ongoing prescribed opioids are necessary, like those for chronic pain management. Wave Treatment Centers has expertise in managing chronic pain and can help determine if alternative treatment options are available.

Because of how Vivitrol (a long-acting injectable naltrexone) binds to and blocks (antagonist) opioid receptors, administration of naltrexone in either form can precipitate opioid withdrawal if given too soon after discontinuing opioids (typically between 7-10 days). When this occurs, there is a risk of opioid overdose. However, there are circumstances when Vivitrol can be given before this time frame.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
Does insurance cover Vivitrol treatment?

While every insurance plan is different, your insurance company may offer coverage for Vivitrol treatment of alcohol or opioid dependency.

If you are considering Vivitrol, our caring staff will help you determine what your options are for insurance or other payment plans.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

I want to thank Dr. Beatty for the dignity and humanity I was treated with during the early phase of my recovery. You probably don’t remember me, man, but I’m the guy who OD’ed, and his fiancé left him, and yet I came in for a Vivitrol shot the next day. That was hell- but the sense of optimism and pride you instilled in me helped me keep the faith.

Aaron J.