In this line of work, we tend to talk a lot about drugs, medications, alcohol, and their effects. We go into depth on the statistics of many different types of substances, highlighting the drugs and medicines that cause frequent issues. Sometimes we even talk about the forms of treatment practices out there to help combat the chronic use of these substances. But what we do not speak too often about are medication-assisted treatments (MATs) and the medications that help combat the effects of withdrawal in the healing process.

So, what is Vivitrol, then? As you may have guessed, Vivitrol is not a form of illicit substance we so often talk about. The drug Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist that helps block opioid use from interacting with the brain too heavily. The medication is typically used to treat opioid addictions, but the use of Vivitrol may not be safe for everyone.

Generically known as naltrexone, Vivitrol is a formulation of extended-release treatment medication. The medicine is typically used in drug and alcohol treatment programs. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in opioid addiction rehabilitation services. Since Vivitrol is an extended-release medication, it can even aid in relapse prevention training during recovery. Currently, Vivitrol is the only medication on the addiction rehab market that can help in opioid dependence treatment that is not a controlled substance. Vivitrol may not be for everyone for extended use. Still, the medicine is generally considered a very safe alternative for recovery aid.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Now you are acquainted with the information, and you will initially need to begin to know Vivitrol. You understand that the medicine is a form of extended-release medication. You know it is an opioid antagonist. You see that the term Vivitrol is a brand name for a form of naltrexone. You understand that the drug does not carry any potential for abuse inherently in itself. And you know that the substance is viable in both opioid treatments, other drug abuse cases, and even alcohol dependence recovery and relapse prevention.

See? For such a short amount of time and quick introduction, you already know a lot about Vivitrol. Good work! But now you are wondering how Vivitrol works, are you not? After all, if you have been exposed to the world of addiction and opioid recovery treatment, you probably know a bit about some of the medications that may typically be used in rehab centers to treat dependence. Typically these other forms of medicines are partial opioids or low-grade opioids themselves. They come with their abuse potentials and must be monitored closely during use in treatment. But if you were not aware of this fact, then yes. Often in opioid addiction treatment, other partial opioids or slightly less potent forms of opiates may help ease withdrawal symptoms in the initial recovery process. This treatment method can be beneficial at times but comes with a wide variety of risks.

But Vivitrol is not a partial opioid or even a less potent opiate. It is a complete opioid antagonist. This means that Vivitrol works to help clients heal by completely blocking all of the effects of any opioid from working in the body. So even if someone is only using opioid medication to manage chronic pain and they do not abuse it, if they are taking Vivitrol, the effects of their pain reliever will be negated by the drug. How does Vivitrol work to do this? By attaching itself to the opioid receptors in the brain and not letting go. Once Vivitrol binds to these receptors, it successfully blocks all opioids from connecting with the molecules in the brain, thus preventing any side effects (positive or negative) that opioids may offer a person using them.

Can You Drink on Vivitrol?

It is a relatively simple process in which Vivitrol through. Clients take the medication, and then the drug begins to work as Vivitrol takes up aggressive possession of the opioid receptors in the brain. The medicine does not take no for an answer. Once it binds itself to the receptors in the brain, it works diligently to continue blocking opioid molecules from undermining its presence. But, we did say that Vivitrol also works for clients who do not have an opioid use disorder and are looking to back off of alcohol dependence, right? Yes, we did, not to worry.

But now you are wondering, “can you drink on Vivitrol, and it blocks the effects of alcohol like it does opioids or does this process somehow work differently?” Well, first things first. Taking Vivitrol for opioid addiction/withdrawal management and alcohol dependence are two very different circumstances. You take Vivitrol when coming off opioids to help block any opiates you may take in your withdrawal period from affecting your brain. This allows you to focus on the healing process rather than obsess over opioid cravings. Of course, you must be 100% opioid-free when you begin using Vivitrol and try your best to remain abstinent from use so that the medication can help ease the pain of your withdrawal symptoms and aid you to focus on healing.

Suppose you are taking Vivitrol for opioid treatments. In that case, you may be able to drink alcohol in a mild to moderate fashion. Of course, this may not be a viable answer for everyone. So, if you are looking into taking Vivitrol and wanting to know if you can drink while using the medication, you should take this question to your physician personally. Discussing your options for alcohol use based on a medical professional opinion based on what they know about you and the drug can save you a lot of time and aggravation. If you are taking Vivitrol for alcohol dependence, on the other hand, you should not drink under any circumstances. Vivitrol works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. The opioid receptors are those that influence or stimulate our feelings of pleasure. People use opioids because of the pain relief and euphoria they can onset. Likewise, individuals drink to feel a sense of wellbeing and happiness.

Therefore, when an individual takes Vivitrol for opioid or alcohol dependence, the results are generally the same. The effects of alcohol or opioids are blocked so that individuals cannot feed off of the chemical reaction that stimulates pleasure in their minds. This does not mean Vivitrol blocks all the effects of opioids and alcohol, just simply that it does not allow for these substances to bind to the opioid receptors in mind to create those irresistible feelings of euphoria. The danger is if someone who has a past of alcohol abuse beings to use alcohol again while on Vivitrol, they may over-drink intentionally or by accident, in an attempt to experience those old feelings of wellbeing the substance used to inspire. But no matter how much they drink, they will not produce the effect they are looking for.

As a result, individuals who drink while using Vivitrol run the risk of overdosing themselves, leading to other life-threatening circumstances. Either way, to begin the use of Vivitrol clients, must not be actively drinking and opioid-free for up to two weeks before use. And of course, the best way to ensure your health and safety is preserved. It is best to abstain from alcohol and drug use altogether, even though you may be able to drink mildly while using Vivitrol in some cases.

What is a Vivitrol Shot?

Now that you understand the general mechanics behind how Vivitrol works and what you can and cannot do while taking the medication, we should dive into the options you have for receiving the drug. Many different types of medicines can aid opioid, alcohol, and other drug withdrawal and recovery treatments. Of course, not every form of drug addiction has the opportunity to use medication assistance, and some individuals would not benefit from the practice. Also, it is essential to remember that even though many of these drugs work to achieve the same goal, they may do it differently. Some medicines can be taken as a pill daily, some may need to be injected, and others may even be used as a patch.

But Vivitrol specifically can work in one of two ways. You can either take Vivitrol as an injection or as an oral dose. A Vivitrol shot is an intramuscular injection given once monthly to a patient by a medical professional. As easy as a shot may sound, the Vivitrol injection can be a complex matter. The shot must be injected directly into the muscle of the glute. There is no flexing of dosage with a Vivitrol injection. The injection only comes as a shot of 380 mg. The shot is only to be prepared and given by a medical professional in a verified setting. Before injection, the client receiving the shot must be wholly opioid and alcohol-free for at least seven to fourteen days.

The shot cannot under any circumstance be given to a person intravenously or subcutaneously. It can only be injected into the muscular layer once a month. With the Vivitrol injection, there come many benefits, fewer visits to the doctor to monitor your drug use, nothing to remember outright about taking it. But it does come with some risks as well. Infection can set in if the injection site is not taken care of correctly or if the individual receives the medication in the wrong manner. Therefore it is vital to keep an eye out for any signs of infection. Each time you receive the shot, the glute muscle should be alternated to avoid discomfort and extensive bruising. Vivitrol needles are not the same as regular injection shots. If a client misses a dose, they should try to make up their appointment as soon as possible.

Are There Other Ways to Take Vivitrol?

The short answer to this question is, yes! There are Vivitrol injections and then Vivitrol oral doses as well. The injection is the most commonly utilized form of Vivitrol. But suppose you are not a fan of shots and do not mind visiting your physician or another licensed medical professional daily. In that case, you can try the oral version of the medication. Unlike the injection given once monthly, Vivitrol oral doses must be taken every day and monitored closely.

Clients who choose to receive oral Vivitrol are only given 50 mg per dose each day. Although it is possible to take the medication orally, there is no known about the oral amount of Vivitrol. Yes, it is considered to be just as strong as the injection. But researchers are still trying to discover if 50 mg in a daily dose or oral Vivitrol holds the same lasting potency as the shot. Taking Vivitrol or injecting the medication, either way, you choose its own sets of benefits and setbacks. If you take Vivitrol orally, you will be in the doctor’s office more often to ensure you are taking the drug the correct way.

Receiving the Vivitrol injection allows you more freedom throughout the month but is more painful and leaves room for complications if infection sets in. But of course, it is possible that Vivitrol may not be for you. Not every drug or medication affects each person in the same way. Before asking your doctor to start Vivitrol, make sure to have a conversation with them to see if they believe that this medication is the right move for you.

Vivitrol Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

I know we are throwing a lot of information out at you here. Injections, oral doses, durations, when you should use, and when you shouldn’t use Vivitrol, and so much more. So how about we condense some of this information down for you? And make a quick guide to look through of sorts? Sound like a plan? Great. Here is a list of some frequently asked questions regarding Vivitrol:

  • How Long Does Vivitrol Last?
    • When taken orally, the Vivitrol pill dose only has enough potency to last about a day. But when injected, Vivitrol’s opioid blocking effects can extend outwards from 28 to 30 days.
  • What is Vivitrol Used for?
    • The medication Vivitrol is multifaceted and multitalented. As a brand name for naltrexone, Vivitrol is known to help treat alcohol and opioid dependence after detoxification. This drug aids clients to maintain drug and alcohol abstinence during the duration of the addiction treatment regimen. So, Vivitrol is used to help treat drug and alcohol dependence.
  • Is Vivitrol a Controlled Substance?
    • No! Even though all other medications used to help treat alcohol and drug withdrawal after detoxification are considered controlled substances. Vivitrol is the only medication used to treat alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms after detox that is not a controlled substance. Even though Vivitrol does come with its own sets of risks with use, the potential for a separate abuse condition developing with the help of this drug is not one of them. And although generic use of the medication is not optional. No, Vivitrol is not considered a controlled substance.
  • What Happens if You Take Opiates On Vivitrol?
    • Vivitrol works by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol from reaching the opioid (pleasure) receptors. It does this by binding to these receptors themselves, preventing individuals from feeling the pleasurable effects of their drug or alcohol choice. In maintenance treatment, this is done to help keep clients from attempting to reuse drugs or alcohol. Knowing that they cannot feel the same sensations they once used to chase from abusing substances. This is an excellent characteristic of Vivitrol, but it can also take a turn for the worse. Individuals who attempt to use opioids or alcohol while on Vivitrol may mistakenly cause themselves to overdose on drugs or drink, chasing effects they cannot feel on the medication. While on Vivitrol, you cannot override the medication. There is no amount of drinking or opioids you can take that will cause you to re-experience those feelings of pleasure and euphoria. But that does not mean that your body and mind are immune to the substances you are pumping your body full with. So, if you take opioids, opiates, or drink while on Vivitrol, you can potentially harm yourself further by onsetting an overdose for yourself. It is safest and in your best interest to avoid drinking or using opioids while on Vivitrol.
  • What is Vivitrol?
    • Vivitrol is a brand-name medication of the drug naltrexone. It is an opioid antagonist that binds to opiate receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of drugs and drinking. The medication is used in substance abuse withdrawal and maintenance treatments.

Vivitrol and St. John’s Recovery Place (SJRP)

Vivitrol is great. But even though it has many outstanding characteristics on its own and works very well in opioid and alcohol treatment, Vivitrol is not meant to independently treat addiction or withdrawal and detox symptoms. Paired with drug and alcohol rehabilitation professional treatment and counseling, Vivitrol works as an asset to the recovery journey. It should never be treated as the only means to achieve recovery.

Not every drug and alcohol rehab program engages in medication-assisted treatments. But here at St. John’s Recovery Place (SJRP), we pride ourselves on providing our clients with a wide variety of addiction treatment services. Vivitrol is an integral part of some medication-assisted treatment programs for alcohol and opioid dependence. And we tailor each program to the individual needs of each client. So, suppose you or a loved one is looking into receiving treatment for alcohol use or opioid abuse disorder. In that case, SJRP may be just the place for you.

From MATs to detox, traditional rehab services, and alternative programs, St. John’s Recovery Place offers you a haven to recover in. And once you are through our front doors, you don’t just gain an excellent treatment staff but also a family. At SJRP, we want to see you grow and succeed. We know the path to sobriety and recovery is not easy to undertake, but we will be with you, cheering you on, every step of the way. Even after your official treatment regimen has come to an end. So, if you would like to learn more about SJRP, our treatment programs, or even our Vivitrol service, feel free to call us today at 1-833-397-3422. You will not be sorry that you called. Start your journey towards recovery here and now!

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