Addiction affects millions worldwide and finding the right treatment program can be difficult. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the form of Vivitrol treatment programs is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking addiction recovery help. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and looking at this treatment, you may wonder about the characteristics of an ideal Vivitrol treatment candidate. Call 888.351.3834 to speak with someone from Northpoint Nebraska’s knowledgeable and compassionate team about MAT and our Vivitrol treatment program.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT has been around since the 1960s and is now considered a mainstay of addiction recovery. MAT uses medications to reduce cravings and promote abstinence, while also addressing behavioral concerns such as overdoses, relapse prevention, and mental health concerns. MAT is effective in treating opioid use disorders due to its ability to reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids.
Today, MAT is well-known as an evidence-based practice to treat addiction and substance use disorders (SUDs). MAT combines medication with counseling services to help individuals recover from addictions to substances like alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. These medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and include Vivitrol, Suboxone, and methadone.
How Does MAT for Addiction Work?
MAT works by helping to reduce cravings, preventing relapse, and providing structure to the recovery process. MAT’s medication component helps restore brain chemistry balance and helps individuals feel normal again. At the same time, they learn how to manage the underlying causes of their addiction in therapy sessions. Additionally, MAT provides accountability through regular checkups with medical staff who monitor dosage levels and overall progress.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for treating opioid and alcohol use disorders. It was first developed in 2006 as an injectable form of naltrexone, used initially to treat opioid addiction since the 1980s. Vivitrol works by blocking opioid receptors, reducing cravings and preventing relapse. Since its introduction, it has become one of the most popular medications used in MAT programs due to its effectiveness in helping individuals recover from SUDs.
Vivitrol is one type of medication used in MAT programs as part of an overall comprehensive treatment plan for addiction recovery. It’s a once-monthly injection that helps block opioid receptors in the brain, so individuals won’t be able to get high if they relapse on opioids or alcohol. It also helps reduce cravings associated with these substances and prevents withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.
What Makes an Ideal Vivitrol Treatment Candidate?
Not everyone can benefit from Vivitrol. The ideal candidate for Vivitrol treatment should:
- Be motivated to stay sober
- Have completed detoxification
- Have no other mental health concerns besides addiction
- Not have any kidney or liver concerns
- Be willing to attend counseling sessions regularly
- Follow dosage instructions closely
- Accept responsibility for their sobriety journey
Vivitrol treatment may not be for you if you’re not ready to take an active role in your recovery and make long-term lifestyle changes. Also, Vivitrol usually can only help with addictions involving opioids or alcohol. If you’re struggling with a different type of addiction, such as smoking or gambling, Vivitrol is not the right fit for you.
Find Vivitrol Treatment in Nebraska at Northpoint Recovery
Vivitrol is an effective tool in treating addiction when paired with counseling services as part of a comprehensive MAT program. Those considering Vivitrol should ensure they meet all the criteria listed above before diving into a Vivitrol program to maximize their chances of success in their journey toward long-term sobriety. Contact Northpoint Nebraska today at 888.351.3834 to learn more about our Vivitrol treatment program and how you can qualify.