If you’re considering Vivitrol treatment for addiction, it’s essential to know what to expect. Vivitrol is a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that can be used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. Want to learn more about Vivitrol and its place in addiction treatment? Contact Genesis Recovery and Wellness today at 216.331.2998 to speak with an addiction treatment specialist about how Vivitrol treatment works and what to expect during Vivitrol treatment in rehab.
What to Know About MAT for Addiction
MAT combines medication with behavioral therapy and other support services. MAT is considered the gold standard of care for treating addiction because it has been shown to:
- Effectively reduce drug use
- Prevent relapse
- Improve quality of life
Some people may think that a rehab program offering medical detox also offers MAT, but that’s not necessarily the case. MAT and medical detoxification are both essential parts of addiction treatment, but they are not the same. Medical detoxification helps people safely withdraw from drugs, while MAT is a long-term treatment option that can help people stay sober. Vivitrol is an FDA-approved medication used in MAT for alcohol and opioid addiction. The FDA approved it in 2006 for alcohol dependence and in 2010 for opioid dependence. Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable form of naltrexone, a medication that the FDA originally approved in 1984 to treat opioid addiction. Other FDA-approved medications used in MAT for addiction include buprenorphine and methadone. While MAT is ideal for treating addiction, not everyone can commit to this level of care.
Who Vivitrol Treatment Benefits the Most
Vivitrol is effective in treating both alcohol and opioid addiction. However, not everyone will benefit from Vivitrol injections. You may not be a good candidate for Vivitrol if the following apply to you and your current situation:
- In the middle of a pregnancy
- Have liver disease
- Have certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- Currently using alcohol or opioids
If you’re considering Vivitrol treatment, you must speak with an addiction treatment specialist to see if Vivitrol is the right fit for you.
What to Expect During Vivitrol Treatment
Vivitrol is an injectable medication used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. Vivitrol works by blocking the effects of alcohol and opioids in the brain. Vivitrol is not a substitute for Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, but it can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction recovery. Here’s how Vivitrol treatment works—in four steps:
- The first step is an initial assessment to see if you are a good candidate for Vivitrol treatment.
- The second step is detoxification, when you stop using alcohol or opioids and allow your body to cleanse itself of the drugs.
- The third step is when you begin taking Vivitrol injections once every 28 days.
- The fourth and final step is ongoing counseling and support, vital for maintaining sobriety after completing Vivitrol treatment.
You must abstain from alcohol and opioids for at least seven days before beginning Vivitrol injections. If you have questions about how Vivitrol works or what to expect during treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact Genesis Recovery and Wellness. Our caring and compassionate team can help you understand MAT, Vivitrol, and other parts of addiction treatment.
Learn More About Vivitrol Treatment for Addiction in Ohio at Genesis Recovery and Wellness
Vivitrol injections are just one part of a comprehensive recovery approach that includes counseling and other support services. If you’re considering starting MAT, you must understand the process to make the best decision for your needs. Please reach out to Genesis Recovery and Wellness today to learn more about Vivitrol treatment and whether it’s right for your case.