Overcoming addiction can be a complicated and overwhelming process. Addiction takes a serious toll on your physical and mental health. Many are hesitant to reach out for help, but seeking treatment at an addiction facility is extremely important for a safe and healthy recovery.
At Northpoint Nebraska, we offer specialized programs to help our patients recover from substance abuse. We provide evidence-based inpatient programs where our patients have a comfortable, safe environment to help them achieve lasting sobriety. Vivitrol treatment is one of the evidence-based treatments we offer that help patients maintain their sobriety in the early stages of recovery after detox. To learn more about Vivitrol treatment and our many programs, contact Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a prescription injectable medicine that can be used in addiction treatment to help people maintain abstinence while in recovery from opioid or alcohol addiction. When treating opioid addiction, Vivitrol treatment can only be done once detox is complete and the patient has been sober for 7-10 days. Vivitrol treatment is useful for preventing relapse but is not a cure for alcohol or opioid addiction. When used alongside other effective methods of treatment, Vivitrol treatment can have a positive impact on a patient’s recovery.
How Does Vivitrol Treatment Work?
Many individuals struggling with addiction may need to go through medical detox. Once that is complete, a patient can continue other programs like Vivitrol treatment to maintain their abstinence in the early days of recovery. So, how does Vivitrol treatment work? When treating opioid addiction, the main ingredient in Vivitrol, Naltrexone, blocks the opioid receptors in your brain. If a person in recovery were to use an opioid drug, they would not be able to experience a high. When used to treat alcohol addiction, Vivitrol blocks the feelings and effects of alcohol which typically decreases a patient’s alcohol cravings and the amount of alcohol they drink.
What to Expect During Vivitrol Treatment
If you are wondering what to expect during Vivitrol treatment, there are some important things to know. Vivitrol is administered through an injection into the muscle and can only be administered by a medical professional. The injection is typically administered once a month, and patients should get their treatment regularly to get the most benefit.
Vivitrol treatment may cause certain side effects. If you use an opioid medication while receiving Vivitrol treatment, it could stimulate opioid withdrawal symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and more. You may experience nausea after the first injection alongside headaches or tiredness. Some common side effects of Vivitrol include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Common cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat
Patients who are highly motivated to stay sober would benefit from Vivitrol treatment. It is a treatment option that can be used for short-term and long-term treatment. Vivitrol can be administered for several months or several years. While Vivitrol treatment does not cure opioid or alcohol addiction, it can be useful in preventing relapse and maintaining sobriety when used in combination with other evidence-based programs.
Find Out More About Vivitrol Treatment at Northpoint Nebraska
At Northpoint Nebraska, we take an integrated approach to treatment to help our patients heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. We design individualized treatment plans to ensure our patients get the quality care they need to recover fully. Vivitrol treatment can be extremely beneficial for patients to prevent relapse and keep them committed to their sobriety. If you or someone you know may benefit from Vivitrol treatment, contact Northpoint Nebraska today at 888.351.3834.