Recovery from addiction often requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional needs of those affected. For many, treatment involves a combination of counseling, behavioral therapy, and medications in an integrated approach known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

There are many medications used in MAT, but one of the most popular is Vivitrol. A once-monthly injection, Vivitrol can keep cravings at bay and support long-term recovery. Find out if a Vivitrol treatment program in West Palm Beach is right for you by speaking with an admissions counselor today.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a prescription medication that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 to treat alcohol dependence and in 2010 for opioid dependence. It comes in the form of an intramuscular injection that is administered once a month, eliminating the need for daily medication.

The Vivitrol shot contains naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. This means that if someone who is on naltrexone were to use opioids, they would not experience the usual euphoria or high associated with drugs such as heroin. It can also reduce cravings in people who suffer from opioid use disorder.

In the treatment of alcohol dependence, naltrexone is believed to reduce alcohol cravings and decrease the pleasurable effects of alcohol, thereby helping individuals reduce or abstain from drinking.

Side Effects of Vivitrol

Vivitrol injections may cause temporary pain, redness, and irritation at the injection site. Injection site reactions are normal and usually subside on their own after a couple of days.

Other common side effects are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Reduced appetite
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure
• Toothache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle cramps
• Anxiety
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Serious side effects are rare. If any side effects become severe, talk to your healthcare provider or seek medical attention.

What to Expect During Vivitrol Treatment in West Palm Beach

Vivitrol is intended to be paired with a complete treatment program that involves counseling and behavioral therapy. However, before starting Vivitrol, individuals must be completely detoxed.

Detox

Detox should happen under the supervision of medical professionals. Addiction treatment centers in West Palm Beach offer safe and supportive medically assisted detox services for drugs and alcohol.

People who are detoxing from alcohol may be prescribed benzodiazepines or other medications to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms, like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). On the other hand, those detoxing from opioids may be prescribed buprenorphine or other medications to help them cope with withdrawal.

Throughout detox, medical staff will monitor symptoms and ensure patient safety.

Monthly Injections

Approximately 7-14 days after drinking or taking opioids, individuals can receive their first injection. The injection is intramuscular, meaning it is administered deep into the muscle, usually the glute muscles (buttocks).

Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol, and these blocking effects can last around 30 days. The injection is administered monthly, every 28-30 days.

Comprehensive Addiction Treatment

By alleviating cravings and discouraging drinking and drug abuse, Vivitrol can promote long-term recovery. However, it is crucial that people taking Vivitrol participate in a complete treatment program. Treatment involves:

• Case management – Case managers help clients navigate the healthcare system, access resources, and stay engaged in treatment. A case manager may oversee an individual’s treatment plan, including medical, social, and psychological needs.
• Counseling & behavioral therapy – Vivitrol treatment programs in West Palm Beach utilize counseling and behavioral therapy. One-on-one or group sessions with trained therapists or counselors are designed to address underlying issues related to addiction, develop coping skills, and modify behaviors to support recovery. Behavioral therapies aim to change unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior associated with substance use.
• Holistic support – Holistic approaches consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in treatment. This may involve complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, exercise programs, and stress management techniques to promote overall well-being and aid in recovery.
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders – Many individuals with addiction also have other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. Treating these co-occurring disorders alongside addiction is vital for long-term recovery. Integrated, dual-diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions simultaneously to improve outcomes and prevent relapse.

Aftercare Support

Addiction treatment programs typically last 90 days or less, but recovery is an ongoing process. As a result, it is essential to have an aftercare plan in place for after rehab. Aftercare not only reinforces the skills and behavioral modifications learned during rehab, but it also provides ongoing support for relapse mitigation. Examples of aftercare include alumni programs, sober living homes, counseling, and peer support groups.

Can You Get Addicted to Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a preferred MAT medication for many reasons, one of which is the fact that it is not addictive. Other MAT drugs, including Suboxone, can be physically habit-forming, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when treatment ends. However, naltrexone is not an opioid, and it is not habit-forming. People can stop taking it without going into withdrawal, and it can’t be abused. Not only that but Vivitrol is only administered in a medical office, so it cannot be sent home with patients to be misused.

Start Your Recovery With Vivitrol Treatment in West Palm Beach Today

Whether you’re addicted to alcohol, opioids, or both, our Vivitrol treatment program in West Palm Beach, FL can help you. Our treatment center in South Florida focuses on helping people with substance use and co-occurring mental health issues using a holistic treatment approach. By offering medication-assisted treatment, we ensure a more profound and sustainable recovery process, addressing underlying issues that contribute to substance use.

To learn more about our Vivitrol treatment program in West Palm Beach or to explore your other treatment options, please contact our team today.