Northpoint Seattle offers Vivitrol injection services for all qualified patients. Vivitrol injections are once-a-month shots that can help block cravings for alcohol and opioids, prevent the euphoric feelings from these drugs, thus removing the incentive to use again, and make quitting these addictive substances much easier when combined with a complete recovery program.
Studies have shown that Vivitrol is scientifically proven to help treat both opioid addiction and alcoholism. It’s also not a narcotic and is believed to be entirely non-addictive.
If you are addicted to either alcohol or opioids, Vivitrol is a medication you should consider. It is the safest form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) on the market. And when used correctly, it can make recovery easier, faster, and far more successful.
What Is Vivitrol?
The generic name for Vivitrol is naltrexone (not to be confused with naloxone). And if you’re at all familiar with addiction treatments, you’ve probably heard about how great this drug can be for treating a substance use disorder.
Naltrexone is a medication that has been shown to reduce cravings and prevent opiates from working in the body on a molecular level. It works so well because it effectively blocks the opioid receptors in the body. The alcohol and opiate molecules cannot get through with that barrier in place.
As a result, anyone taking opioids or alcohol while using naltrexone won’t get the same pleasurable effects they’re used to when abusing these drugs.
Instead of coming in the form of a pill, Vivitrol is an actual injection that needs to be taken once every few weeks. Rather than a daily dose, Vivitrol is administered just once a month.
This makes Vivitrol much easier to use and takes away the risk of missing a dose, too – a simple mistake that can often lead to a full-blown relapse and reversing weeks, months, or even years of hard work.
Vivitrol is not meant to be the only component of a recovery program. And despite its effectiveness, it is no magic treatment or cure for addiction. To get the most out of it, patients need to stick to the many other aspects of their recovery plan – attending support meetings, contacting sponsors or addiction professionals, and completing detox and rehabilitation programs.
Vivitrol is not available over the counter. Patients can only get this form of MAT by prescription. A doctor prescribes it, and then a nurse must administer it. It is very effective, and using it has helped many serious people about their recovery achieve long-term sobriety.
What to Expect with Vivitrol Services at Northpoint
Vivitrol is a drug that is available by injection only. Users must go through the detoxification process before beginning treatment with this medication. This can take a period of about 7 to 14 days.
Patients will meet with our Medical Director to discuss the treatment options. If the doctor feels that Vivitrol is the right treatment option, they will prescribe it. Usually, a nurse will administer the injection into the buttocks area. It is no more painful than any other shot would be.
Patients must be careful to take Vivitrol on a strict schedule. The shot is good for a few weeks because the medication is in an extended-release format. Vivitrol is most effective for recovering addicts, so they must always make their scheduled injection times.
The Importance of Vivitrol Combined with Therapy
Going to therapy while taking Vivitrol is very important. Many providers won’t prescribe this drug without a recovery program on board. A patient needs to have therapy to be as effective as possible.
While addressing the physical cravings and withdrawals of addiction is important for recovery, it’s also essential to get to the root of why an addict continues to abuse alcohol or opioids. Only then can they address the problem and change their behaviors.
For many addicts, substance abuse is about self-medicating. They may be trying to cope with the symptoms of past emotional trauma, underlying mental disorders like depression or anxiety (often called co-occurring disorders), or may feel like their life lacks meaning or purpose. It can also be the result of several different reasons.
Whatever the cause, addressing this core problem is vital to prevent further substance abuse. Otherwise, patients are simply treating the symptoms of addiction rather than the cause.
Are There Any Side Effects?
When you begin taking Vivitrol, you may notice some side effects. You might have some pain and tenderness at the injection site as you would any injection. There could be a bruise, and the area might itch. Tell your doctor if you feel concerned about it. Other side effects you might experience can include:
- Injection site tenderness
- Fatigue
- A decreased appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps or joint pain
- Headaches
- Vertigo (dizziness)
It’s also worth noting that in rare cases, patients have experienced a severe reaction at the injection site. These reactions have included tissue death and have even required surgery in the past. This is not a common reaction, and, in most cases, patients feel little or no discomfort as a result. However, if you experience any of the following side effects, speak to a doctor immediately:
- Intense pain
- Lumps
- An open wound
- The area feels hard
- Blister
- A dark scab
- Swelling
Take the Next Steps to Begin Vivitrol Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
If you want to begin treatment for your addiction with Vivitrol, talk with a professional. Here at Northpoint Seattle, we’re always available to help you. We can talk with you about your options for recovery. If you are interested in Vivitrol, we can take note of that and arrange for you to talk with a doctor.
If you’re addicted to opiate drugs or alcohol, there’s no better time than now to recover. It is possible, and Vivitrol may be a big part of your success.
Do you have additional questions about our Vivitrol services? Contact us today at 888.483.6031 and let us know how to help you.