The Vivitrol Shot: How Does It Work?

There are multiple dimensions to addiction. Psychological, physical, social, emotional, and on and on. But some of these have a stronger pull for certain individuals. And if there was a way to just alleviate the drug cravings, it would make the difference.  Here is where the Vivitrol shot comes in. Vivitrol (the brand name for the medication naltrexone) effectively blocks the effects of opiates and alcohol on your brain. This gives you that added edge needed to make a massive difference in your life and journey towards recovery.

The Vivitrol shot is a monthly injection that clinicians provide to people struggling with alcohol or opiate dependence.

Vivitrol Shot for Substance Use Disorders

It works in two different ways for the different substance use disorders:

Vivitrol Shot for Opiate Dependence:

For opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, the Vivitrol shot blocks the receptors in your brain. This makes it impossible to get high for one month.

Vivitrol Shot for Alcohol Dependence:

For alcohol it blocks the rush of endorphins. You can still get drunk, but the pleasure is drastically reduced. People drink fewer drinks because there is no reward.

Vivitrol Side Effects:

As with any medication, side effects are possible with naltrexone. Common ones include:

• Diarrhea
• Exhaustion or sleep problems
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Upset stomach

How Does Vivitrol Help With Recovery?

After completing a detox from opiates or alcohol, it can be easy to wonder “What’s next?” While everybody wants to stay clean and sober outside of the safe walls of a detox, we also understand that this is easier said than done.

Vivitrol offers a further sense of safety and certainty by addressing cravings. When there is no reward, your body will begin to disassociate the drug with happiness. With the effects of alcohol and opiates severely limited, you can focus on getting back into the driving seat of your life.

Vivitrol Is Not a Magic Shot

Although Vivitrol is tremendously effective at reducing cravings, it is not a magic wand or a cure for opioid dependency. While taking this medication, you must remain alert to any triggers and continue to work with your treatment plan. It works best as a complement to addiction counseling and a program for sobriety.

Vivitrol Shot Near Me

At the Volpicelli Center for addiction treatment, we offer high quality medication assisted treatment options from qualified clinicians trained for administration and management of Vivitrol, Suboxone, or Sublocade. Our addiction treatment center in Montgomery County offers outpatient detoxification to treat the full spectrum of substance use disorders.