When recovering from either opioid or alcohol addiction, a person considers a treatment option that will ensure stability in the long run. One of the significant options is vivitrol treatment, which is a medicine-assisted therapy (MAT) approved by the FDA that helps in decreasing cravings and stopping the relapse. This is not a cure that is alone in its efforts, but rather it is a major player in the whole treatment plan that involves medication, counseling, and structured support.
How Vivitrol Works
Vivitrol functions as an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the opioid receptors in the brain. Thereby, the person consuming the opioids will not get the euphoric feeling. This greatly reduces the chances of relapse as well.
For alcohol dependence, Vivitrol reduces cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, helping individuals stay consistent with their recovery goals. Because the medication is long-acting, patients don’t have to remember a daily dose, eliminating the risk of skipping medication during difficult moments.
Opioid dependence patients have to undergo a detox process for 7 to 10 days before going for vivitrol because being on morphine while taking the drug may cause instantaneous withdrawal. Thus, one has to be under medical supervision for this time period.
Who Vivitrol is For
Vivitrol is likely to be a powerful option for people whose conditions match the following:
- Have gone through the detox and seeking medical help to stay sober.
- Want a non-opioid-based medication for their recovery.
- Are in need of long-term relapse prevention, particularly for individuals who have had difficulties abstaining in the past.
- Can attend monthly clinical appointments since consistency is crucial for the effect to be sustained over time.
On the other hand, it may not be the right fit for everyone. People with liver diseases, those who are unable to abstain from taking opioids before starting the drug, and patients with specific medical complications may have to resort to other treatment modalities.
What to Expect During Treatment
1. Assessment and Detox Confirmation
The doctors and nurses assess the patient to be sure that he is free of opioids and that his condition is safe for medical treatment. Blood tests or a naloxone challenge may be utilized to confirm that detox is complete.
2. Monthly Injection
Vivitrol is given in an injection by a skilled medical staff into the muscle of either the thigh or the gluteal area. The injection provides a constant release of the drug over a period of 30 days, thus giving the patient support without having to take daily doses.
3. Complementary Counseling and Therapy
Even though vivitrol is an effective drug in what it is designed to do, it is also necessary to consider other factors that might facilitate or hinder the patient’s emotional wellness besides the drug itself. Counseling sessions, support groups, and visiting outpatient programs are among the strategies employed to improve the treatment’s effectiveness.
4. Monitoring and Adjustments
Patients may encounter minor side effects, for instance, tenderness at the injection site, tiredness, or vomiting. The medical team is attentive to each patient’s individual progress and will tailor the treatment according to the individual’s needs.
Companies working in this industry, like MAT Clinics, specialize in comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment, ensuring individuals receive medication support along with counseling and structured recovery programs.
Conclusion
Vivitrol treatment offers a reliable and effective tool for individuals committed to overcoming opioid or alcohol dependence. It aids in maintaining sobriety when it is used together with counseling and ongoing medical care by cutting down cravings and preventing patients from suffering the euphoric effects of substances. Most patients regard Vivitrol as a firm base for persistent recovery because of the regular monthly injections and the proper professional counseling.
