If you or someone you love are struggling with an addiction to alcohol or opioids, a Vivitrol treatment program may be the right solution for you. Vivitrol is a safe and effective FDA-approved medication that can reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids, helping individuals stay sober.
Not all rehab centers offer treatment with Vivitrol, but at New Jersey Addiction Interventions, our team can connect you with a Vivitrol treatment program near you.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a monthly injection of naltrexone that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders after detoxification. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the effects of opioids or alcohol on the brain’s receptors. In doing so, it reduces cravings for opioids and alcohol and reduces the reward sensation associated with using alcohol or opioids.
By reducing cravings and stabilizing brain chemistry, Vivitrol reduces the potential for relapse and has been proven to increase treatment retention and outcomes.
As a once-monthly injection that is administered by a healthcare professional, Vivitrol is not a medication that can be abused. Not having to worry about taking a daily medication is convenient, too. Naltrexone is also not habit-forming, so you won’t experience withdrawal when you stop taking it. Vivitrol’s convenience and low abuse profile make it an appealing solution to many people who struggle with addiction.
Side Effects of Vivitrol
The most common Vivitrol side effects are injection site reactions, including redness, itching, irritation, and pain at the injection site. Other common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals
How Does Vivitrol Treatment Work?
The Vivitrol shot is most effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral therapy and counseling. As a result, many people choose to attend an addiction treatment program that offers Vivitrol.
Before starting Vivitrol, you must detox completely. Your withdrawal symptoms can be managed using other medications. After 7-14 days clean from alcohol and/or opioids, you may get your first injection.
Vivitrol is an intramuscular injection that is usually administered in the buttocks. It delivers a steady dose of naltrexone to the body for 28-30 days. Subsequent injections are usually given once a month until you and your doctor believe you no longer need the medication.
While taking Vivitrol, it’s important to participate in behavioral therapy, counseling, and support groups. Therapy and counseling help you address the root causes of your substance abuse and develop healthy coping skills so you can stay sober long-term. On the other hand, support groups can help you stay motivated and inspired to continue your recovery.
How long you will stay on Vivitrol will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your addiction, the progress you make in recovery, and the professional opinion of your doctor and therapist.
How to Find Vivitrol Treatment in New Jersey
There are many ways to locate Vivitrol treatment near you.
Talk to your healthcare provider
The first step in finding Vivitrol treatment in New Jersey is to discuss your situation with a healthcare provider. Whether it’s your primary care physician, an addiction specialist, or a mental health professional, they can assess your individual needs and determine if Vivitrol is the right solution for you. They will also help you understand the potential risks and benefits of the medication.
Some doctors can prescribe and administer Vivitrol themselves, but will encourage you to seek an additional form of treatment, such as therapy and counseling. Others will refer you to an addiction treatment center that can meet your needs.
Look for outpatient MAT clinics
Many outpatient Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinics in New Jersey offer Vivitrol treatment. MAT clinics can prescribe medications that are administered on an outpatient basis. Clients are required to visit the clinic for their medications as well as pass randomized drug tests and participate in some form of counseling.
A quick online search or a call to a local helpline like New Jersey Interventions can help you find the nearest MAT clinic that offers Vivitrol.
Find an addiction treatment center that offers Vivitrol
In addition to MAT clinics, various addiction treatment centers in New Jersey may include Vivitrol as part of their treatment programs. These centers often provide a holistic approach to recovery, combining therapy, counseling, and other evidence-based practices with medication-assisted treatment like Vivitrol. Treatment may be offered across multiple levels of care, including inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient (OP).
Reach out to these facilities to inquire about their treatment options and whether Vivitrol is available.
Find Vivitrol Treatment in New Jersey Today
At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we work with some of the highest rated medication-assisted treatment (MAT) centers in New Jersey and across the United States. Our admissions line is open 24 hours a day, so we can verify your insurance, assess your needs, and help you find the right Vivitrol treatment program for you. Get started today by calling now.
Medically Reviewed: July 24, 2023
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.