What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a prescription drug that is used for the treatment of opioid abuse. Vivitrol is delivered as an injectable drug that is also known under the generic name naltrexone. For individuals living with alcohol use disorders, naltrexone is used as an alcohol treatment method and acts as a method of relapse prevention. Vivitrol supports individuals by reducing the onset of alcohol cravings and urges to engage in alcohol abuse or opioid abuse. Although vivitrol naltrexone is an effective method of addiction treatment that will help you move through the initial stages of your addiction recovery. However, the use of naltrexone is not a long term substance abuse treatment method or a cure for substance use disorders.
Vivitrol Effects
When you take vivitrol as a method of alcohol treatment or opioid addiction treatment, the injectable drug will work by stopping the euphoric effects and sedation of the central nervous system. Vivitrol will work by binding the opioid receptors in the brain to act as an opioid antagonist.
For those using vivitrol treatment for alcohol use disorders, there is a significant change in a person’s brain functioning. Vivitrol helps to reduce the severity of alcohol cravings. Vivitrol also acts as a method of relapse prevention because individuals that are taking injectable naltrexone will experience adverse effects if you consume alcohol while taking naltrexone.
Signs of Vivitrol Abuse and Addiction
Vivitrol is a non habit forming injectable drug that is intended to treat your opioid addiction or alcohol addiction. If you use the medication in the correct dosage and form, you will be able to safely overcome your substance use disorders. It is recommended that while taking naltrexone treatment that you abstain from substance abuse as it can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription drug addiction treatment.
Vivitrol Withdrawal Symptoms
Vivitrol does not produce withdrawal symptoms as it does not create a physical dependency. However, depending on your history of substance abuse and your previous opioid dependency or alcohol addiction and if you haven’t moved through your withdrawal symptoms, there is a potential for your to experience serious withdrawal symptoms or side effects. Common withdrawal symptoms that can occur while taking naltrexone and you haven’t completed your opioid detox or alcohol detox are:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Teary eyes
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
Long Term Side Effects of Vivitrol Abuse
The use of vivitrol treatment can produce strong physical responses in a person that is taking oral naltrexone or injectable naltrexone. However, there are some individuals that may not experience any side effects from vivitrol treatment.
Common side effects of vivitrol treatment are:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach aches or cramps
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Change in appetite
- Muscle or joint pains
Long term side effects of vivitrol treatment are:
- Hallucinations either audio, visual, or tactile
- Blurred vision or impaired vision
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea
Vivitrol Addiction Treatment
Vivitrol treatment has the comparative effectiveness of suboxone treatment in treating opioid use disorders and alcohol addiction. While completing a naltrexone treatment program, it is essential for patients to participate in individual therapy and addiction therapy methods that will support you in addressing the root causes of your substance abuse. With the support of behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and holistic treatment, patients will be able to heal from the emotions and traumas associated with your substance use disorders while overcoming their physical dependence to substance abuse.
At Novo Detox, we offer a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to substance abuse treatment that will support you in safely and effectively overcoming your opioid addiction and alcohol addiction while developing the tools for living in long term sobriety.
