Addiction is a painful and devastating condition that can be extremely difficult to overcome. Traditional treatment methods involving detox, behavioral therapy, and peer support can be effective when it comes to treating addiction, however, for some people, that isn’t enough. Drug and alcohol cravings can linger for months or even years after you initially get sober. Although much of recovery involves learning how to deal with cravings, Vivitrol is another tool you can use to prevent relapse.
Patients who undergo Vivitrol treatment in West Palm Beach not only have access to this FDA-approved medication, but they also have access to a highly-skilled clinical team who can monitor their progress, adjust their medication, and set them up for success in recovery.
What is Vivitrol (Naltrexone)?
Vivitrol is the brand name formulation of extended-release naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor agonist that is used to block the effects of opioid drugs and help people deal with opioid/alcohol cravings.[1] Vivitrol does not treat opioid or alcohol withdrawal. Instead, it helps prevent relapse by reducing cravings. The shot is most effective when used as a part of an individualized treatment program for substance abuse.
Vivitrol Side Effects
While Vivitrol is a safe and effective medication, you may experience some side effects while undergoing treatment in West Palm Beach. The most common side effect is redness or irritation at the injection site. Shortly after your injection, you may notice itching, swelling, or other reactions where the needle was inserted into your skin. In most cases, injection site reactions go away on their own within 2-3 days.[2]
Other potential side effects of Vivitrol include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle cramps
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety
- Joint pain
- Headache
If any of these side effects do not go away within a few days to weeks of treatment, you should consult with your physician.
How is Vivitrol Administered?
Vivitrol is an intramuscular injection which means it must be administered into a muscle. It is injected one time each month by a qualified healthcare provider into a muscle in the buttocks. A special needle is used that comes with the medication. You should never attempt to inject yourself with Vivitrol as doing so can result in a serious reaction or complication.
Since Vivitrol is only administered once monthly, you don’t have to worry about taking medication each day. You also do not have to worry about being tempted to abuse it because it has no potential for abuse.
What is Vivitrol Treatment Like in West Palm Beach?
Vivitrol is simply a medication that helps curb drug and alcohol cravings. It does not treat opioid/alcohol withdrawal nor does it cure addiction. Instead, it is intended to be used as a tool alongside a comprehensive addiction treatment program involving detox, therapy, peer support, and medication management.
Detox and Naltrexone Induction
You can’t start taking Vivitrol until you have completely detoxed from alcohol/opiates. Taking Vivitrol too early can result in sudden-onset withdrawal symptoms and other medical complications. As a result, the first step in treatment with Vivitrol involves detox. Detox usually lasts 7-14 days before you can start taking naltrexone.
During detox, you may be prescribed alternative treatment medications that reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings. You will also be supervised by medical and clinical staff throughout your stay.
Once you are deemed medically stable, you will transfer over to the rehab portion of treatment where you will go through an initial assessment to determine your treatment needs. If you qualify for Vivitrol in West Palm Beach, your doctor may begin your treatment with a naltrexone induction period. During the induction period, you may take oral naltrexone tablets on a daily basis to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the medication.[3]
After being cleared for Vivitrol therapy, you will present for your first injection.
Individualized Therapy
All medications used to treat opioid use disorder (buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone) are considered safe and effective when combined with counseling and psychosocial support.[4] These medications are also most effective when combined with treatment that is tailored to meet your specific needs. Throughout treatment, as you continue receiving the Vivitrol shot, you are expected to participate in therapy sessions and build a sober support network.
Examples of evidence-based therapies used during Vivitrol treatment in West Palm Beach include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Contingency Management (CM)
- 12-Step facilitation
In the midst of therapy, you will also be encouraged to join a recovery fellowship such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery to provide you with friendship and emotional support.
Medication Management
In addition to your scheduled monthly Vivitrol injections, your doctor will meet with you on a weekly basis to monitor your progress, evaluate your symptoms, and ensure medication compliance. Your doctor may also manage mental health medications or any other medications you are prescribed.
Depending on your progress in treatment and your doctor’s opinion, you may stay on Vivitrol for just a few months or several years. The good news is Vivitrol is not habit-forming, so you won’t experience withdrawal or require detox services once you stop taking the medication.
Start Vivitrol Treatment in West Palm Beach Today
Here at Daylight Recovery Center, we take an evidence-based approach to treating addiction. That means we use therapies and medications that are proven to be clinically effective and combine those with our expert opinions to provide you with individualized care that meets your needs. While Vivitrol is not right for everyone, it may be able to help you overcome your addiction to alcohol or opioids.
Learn more about our Vivitrol treatment programs in West Palm Beach by giving us a call today.
References:
