Vivitrol (naltrexone) is an extended-release opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and curbs drug cravings. Vivitrol shots for alcohol and drugs were approved in 2010 by the Food and Drug Administration and have since been utilized by facilities like our Pompano substance abuse treatment center to help patients recover from addiction. Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano offers Vivitrol for alcohol and drug abuse to assist patients in their physical recovery and reduce their chances of relapse after rehab.

What Is Vivitrol Used For?

  Vivitrol is the brand name for an opioid antagonist called naltrexone, which is often used in the development and maintenance of abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Vivitrol is an extended-release medication, meaning its side effects can last for up to a month with only one use. As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol works by blocking or reducing the effects of central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol and opioids. This medicine binds to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, preventing the substances themselves from taking effect. If a person takes Vivitrol while using drugs or alcohol, these substances will fail to bind to CNS receptors, and no high will occur.

While a high may not occur, you should not take any type of drug or alcohol at least 7 to 14 before taking Vivitrol. Using opioids within this time frame prior to getting a Vivitrol shot can result in sudden alcohol or opioid withdrawal symptoms during treatment. The recommended course of action for people who want to take Vivitrol is first to undergo medically monitored detox. This treatment weans the body off of drugs and alcohol, making it easier for patients to stick to treatment.

Vivitrol Side Effects

  Vivitrol for alcohol and opioids mitigates the euphoric and pleasurable feelings associated with these substances, diminishing their addictive pull. Although most patients do not experience Vivitrol shot side effects, potential complications can occur if you drink or take opioids during treatment. Common Vivitrol side effects include increased risk of opioid overdose, depression symptoms, opioid withdrawal, and infection or reactions at the injection site. Again, taking opioids or drinking on Vivitrol increases the likelihood of experiencing these reactions, making it important to abstain from any of these substances during treatment to avoid health complications.

Drug Addiction Therapy Used With Vivitrol Injections 

  While the Vivitrol injection addresses the physical side effects of drug and alcohol abuse, many other factors are still at play. Behavioral patterns, lifestyle, environmental influences, and underlying mental illness are also common contributing factors to substance abuse. Neglecting these additional issues increases the patient’s risk of relapsing when they leave our facility. However, when used alongside our other forms of drug treatment in Pompano Beach, Vivitrol is often successful.

Patients receiving Vivitrol or naltrexone treatment at our Pompano rehab may also benefit from addiction recovery programs like: 

• 12 Step Program
• Alumni Program
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Pet Therapy
• SMART Recovery Program
• & More

One of the most common myths about relapse is that it’s unavoidable, but it’s completely untrue. You can avoid relapse if you take preventative measures. If you or a loved one can benefit from the use of Vivitrol injections or substance abuse treatment, contact our team today. We are here to guide and assist you in all your recovery efforts for a new and healthy lifestyle. Vivitrol may be right for you, and it’s never too late to change the course of your life.