Understanding Addiction
March 20, 2024
According to statistics by the National Center for Drug Abuse, among the 15 million individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), less than 8% receive the treatment they need to overcome alcohol dependence. Cited reasons include stigma surrounding addiction, cost of treatment programs, lack of health insurance coverage for substance abuse services, and access to effective medications.
For those struggling with alcohol dependence, Vivitrol may provide an effective treatment option. This article explains what Vivitrol is, how it works to reduce cravings, and the risk of relapse. It also discusses potential Vivitrol side effects, an ideal candidate for treatment, and how the Kolbe Health Services team can help in your recovery journey.
What is a Vivitrol Shot?
Vivitrol is the brand name for Naltrexone, an extended-release injectable used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the euphoric and intoxicating effects of these substances to help people maintain abstinence. Vivitrol is administered via monthly intramuscular injections to provide sustained release of Naltrexone over four weeks.
How Does the Vivitrol Shot Work?
Vivitrol injections work by blocking the binding of alcohol to opioid receptors in the brain when someone who has been treated with Vivitrol drinks or uses these substances. This blocking effect reduces cravings by preventing the rewarding effects that usually reinforce addictive behaviors.
While Vivitrol for alcohol treatment does not prevent drinking or using altogether, it acts as a deterrent that can help change behaviors and thinking patterns associated with addiction over time. Injections have also been shown to significantly decrease the risk of relapse in individuals with alcohol dependence by blocking these reinforcing effects of alcohol and minimizing cravings that can lead to drinking lapses or full relapses.
Clinical studies have found that patients who received Vivitrol injections along with rehabilitation and therapy were up to 17 times less likely to relapse to heavy drinking compared to those receiving just a placebo.
Vivitrol Side Effects
Like any medication, Vivitrol may cause mild side effects like nausea, headaches, restlessness, sleep problems, fatigue, an upset stomach, as well as muscle and joint pain. On rare occasions, Vivitrol injections have led to adverse reactions at the injection site, such as swelling, pain, or a serious lung condition called eosinophilic pneumonia.
There have also been isolated reports of liver damage or changes in liver function with prolonged use in some individuals. Ensure you discuss any Vivitrol side effects experienced with a physician, as reducing the dose or changing medications may be recommended.
Ideal Candidate for Vivitrol Treatments
Vivitrol for alcohol treatment is most effective when combined with counseling to support long-term behavioral changes. To be considered for Vivitrol injections, one must have already achieved abstinence from alcohol or opioids before starting the medication injections. While Vivitrol is generally safe and appropriate for both short- and long-term use, treatment is not ideal for individuals who are physically dependent on opioid medications or have severe liver disease.
Because Vivitrol works by blocking opioid receptors, administering it to someone who is physically dependent could precipitate sudden and acute withdrawal symptoms. The changes in liver function are a potential side effect of Naltrexone metabolism. Therefore, patients with profound liver impairment should not receive the injections.
Discover the Difference of Vivitrol Treatment at Kolbe Health Services
For residents seeking help for alcohol dependence, Kolbe Health Services offers comprehensive Vivitrol treatment paired with counseling and support. Our team of clinicians can start you on a customized treatment plan using Vivitrol injections and individualized therapy. We have multiple certified mental health facilities in the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Chelsea, and Navarre areas of Alabama, and referrals can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (888) 310-9011 to Schedule an Assessment that will help determine if Vivitrol is right for your recovery needs. Don’t struggle alone—help is just a phone call away.
Image Credits: Ground Picture // Shutterstock
