In medication-assisted treatment, Vivitrol is often recommended for long-term healing to treat alcoholism or an opioid use disorder. But who should take Vivitrol depends on their medical history and at what stage they are in their recovery journey. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Northpoint Seattle’s Vivitrol treatment program at your earliest convenience.
Before enrolling in a treatment program, the staff at the clinic will conduct an initial evaluation to determine if you’re the right Vivitrol treatment candidate. To learn more about how Vivitrol treatment works and our personalized addiction services, call us at 888.483.6031.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Vivitrol Treatment?
Vivitrol is the brand name of naltrexone—an opioid agonist that works by blocking specific receptors in the brain. Thus, the person doesn’t feel the urge to drink or take drugs. Vivitrol is typically administered as an injection in the gluteal muscle once a month, by prior appointment.
However, while Vivitrol has proved effective in reducing cravings and curbing addiction, the individual must still focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms. Thus, a Vivitrol treatment program is often complemented by one-on-one counseling sessions, peer support groups, life skills training, and other holistic therapies to guarantee a full recovery.
Moreover, throughout the treatment, the patient must also abstain from drugs and alcohol. As a result, a Vivitrol treatment program might not be for everyone.
So, who should take Vivitrol? The following pointers may help you decide if you’re the right Vivitrol treatment candidate:
- Those who have already completed a detox program and are not actively drinking are ideally the ones who should take Vivitrol to continue their healing and decrease the chances of a relapse.
- Vivitrol is just one component in a larger, comprehensive treatment plan that involves behavioral therapy and counseling. Thus, the ideal Vivitrol treatment candidate is already self-motivated and is ready to put in the work to improve their psychological well-being.
- If you have liver/kidney problems, or other medical issues, Vivitrol may cause health complications and is not recommended. Similarly, it may be unsuitable for those who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
- Vivitrol is accompanied by mild side effects, but if a person experiences severe abdominal pain or bowel/urine issues, they must report it immediately to the healthcare provider.
- If the person has trouble managing their cravings and may secretly try to consume alcohol or drugs, they might not be ready for Vivitrol treatment at that point.
Thus, be sure to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and recovery goals with the doctors before enrolling in Vivitrol treatment.
Benefits of Vivitrol Treatment
There are several unique advantages to taking Vivitrol. Some of the benefits of being a Vivitrol treatment candidate include the following:
- Since it’s not a daily pill, patients do not have to worry about missing a dose.
- Even if they can’t make it to their monthly appointment, they can arrange for it on another day.
- Unlike prescription medication, Vivitrol does not carry any risk of physical dependency or painful withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped.
- It prevents relapse and reduces cravings, ultimately helping patients to commit to lifelong sobriety.
Find Help and Healing at Northpoint Recovery
At Northpoint Seattle, we are committed to gently guiding patients on the road to recovery.
We offer a range of quality outpatient programs with flexible timings, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care. These can be further customized to meet your unique needs and schedule. Using a combination of evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic exercises, we empower our clients to become self-motivated and resilient. No matter the severity of the symptoms, our kind and compassionate staff will work with you to find actionable and practical solutions to your problems.
Seeking professional help for addiction is one of the best decisions you can take to rebuild your future. Call us at 888.483.6031 or fill out our online contact form and book an appointment today.