Vivitrol for Alcohol: Can You Drink on This Medication?

Alcohol abuse and dependence can have devastating effects on all areas of a person’s life. Deciding you need to stop drinking and realizing you need help to do so is already a huge step towards recovery. Treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence is complex and usually includes a multifaceted approach, including medication-assisted treatment. One medication used is Vivitrol for alcohol use disorder, which helps to reduce cravings for alcohol. However, you must stop drinking while taking Vivitrol, as it can have negative side effects if you do so.

Understanding Vivitrol: What It Is and How It Works

Vivitrol is an extended-release injection that contains naltrexone, a medication that blocks the effects of alcohol and opioids in the brain. It is used as part of a comprehensive recovery program for drug and alcohol dependence to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It stops the euphoric and sedative effects that central nervous system depressants, specifically opioids and alcohol, can have. If a person relapses when on Vivitrol for alcohol dependence, they will not experience the high associated with drinking.

It is administered as a once-monthly injection, which improves treatment adherence. The problem with daily administration of naltrexone is patients may not be compliant, either because they do not remember to take it every day or are not willing to.

Vivitrol’s Role in Treating Alcohol Dependence

Treatment for alcohol dependence is most effective when it is comprehensive and tailored to each person. Effective recovery programs will include various types of treatment to address all aspects of alcohol addiction, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, lifestyle changes, and continued care. Vivitrol for alcohol dependence can help individuals struggling with cravings. Unlike other alcohol relapse prevention medicines, which traditionally discourage alcohol use by making people sick if they consume alcohol, Vivitrol simply reduces cravings.

Combining counseling with Vivitrol can increase the likelihood of successful recovery. Individuals on Vivitrol who drink, will not feel the intoxicating effects of alcohol which can help treat the brain’s reward response to drinking and stop the association of alcohol with pleasure.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Vivitrol?

While it is recommended that you stop drinking alcohol before beginning to take Vivitrol, drinking while on Vivitrol will not make you sick. There appear to be no significant dangers to drinking on Vivitrol. Your body will respond the same way to alcohol as it usually would with reduced response time, slower thinking, and poor coordination, but you will not feel the pleasurable effects of drinking. By reducing the positive effects of consuming alcohol, it can make drinking less appealing.  

Vivitrol can be effective in reducing alcohol intake, but not in promoting abstinence from alcohol completely. Some individuals use Vivitrol an hour before beginning to drink to reduce the amount they will drink and their cravings. It is important to remember that Vivitrol will not block the negative side effects of alcohol, such as issues associated with intoxication (loss of coordination, lowered inhibitions, etc.) and long-term health effects (liver damage, cardiovascular disease, etc.)

Potential Side Effects of Vivitrol

Vivitrol itself can have side effects, with or without drinking alcohol while on it. Side effects can vary from mild to serious, and also depend on whether alcohol dependence or opioid dependence is being treated. Most mild side effects are temporary and often can be easily managed. Some of the more common mild side effects include:

• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Toothache
• Headache
• Common cold symptoms, such as stuffy or runny nose
• Injection site reactions

While not common, Vivitrol can have serious side effects such as:

Depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior

• Allergic reaction
• Liver damage
• Severe allergic reaction
• Benefits of Using Vivitrol for Alcohol Addiction

Vivitrol may not be the right fit for everyone, but it can be a beneficial medication as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Some benefits of using Vivitrol for alcohol dependence include:

• They reduced alcohol cravings. By regulating brain function and restoring healthy chemical balances, Vivitrol can help reduce cravings. Many people in recovery report cravings as being one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. Vivitrol can help control those cravings as you learn tools and skills in therapy to manage alcohol addiction.
• Fewer side effects than other alcohol addiction medications. While Vivitrol for alcohol dependence may have some side effects, they are usually mild and subside within a couple of days or weeks after injection. Compared to other medications with longer lists of side effects.
• Vivitrol has no risk of abuse or addiction. Naltrexone does not have addictive properties and is non-habit-forming. You can stop taking Vivitrol without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Monthly injections are easier to keep up with than daily pills. Receiving a monthly injection improves adherence to treatment and successful recovery.
• Vivitrol can improve treatment outcomes. Using medication-assisted treatment can improve treatment retention and completion rates. Reduced cravings help you focus on therapy sessions as well.

How Vivitrol Compares to Other Alcohol Addiction Treatments

There are several types of medications used in the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Vivitrol is one medication that directly aims to treat symptoms associated with alcohol dependence. Here are some ways it compares to other medications used in alcohol use disorder:

• Acamprosate. Reduces physical and emotional discomforts associated with alcohol withdrawal, which can be effective in maintaining abstinence but does not reduce cravings.
• Oral Naltrexone. The same medication as Vivitrol, but needs to be taken daily which can reduce treatment adherence.
• Disulfiram. Taken as a daily pill, it causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed and used as a deterrent. However, deterrents are only effective when the person is motivated and adhesive, which are common issues in alcohol addiction.

Integrating Vivitrol into a Comprehensive Recovery Plan

Successful recovery from alcohol addiction requires comprehensive treatment plans that will address the root causes. While Vivitrol helps to reduce cravings, these symptoms can return once the medication is stopped. It does not address the underlying reasons for alcohol use disorder so it should be used as a tool in alcohol treatment.

While it can be tempting to rely only on medication to solve your alcohol abuse problems, they are not the answer. Vivitrol is most effective when used as part of an alcohol addiction treatment program which can include individual therapy, peer support groups, life skills training, holistic therapies, dual diagnosis, nutrition, and exercise. As individuals receive the necessary support to address the underlying causes of addiction, Vivitrol and other medication-assisted treatments will help reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. A comprehensive treatment approach enhances the chances of long-term recovery and provides patients with the tools and skills needed to build an alcohol-free life.

How WhiteSands Treatment Utilizes Vivitrol in Alcohol Recovery Programs

WhiteSands Treatment provides patients with an individualized treatment approach. Our team of specialists will work together to create a program that fits your needs and addresses the root causes of your addiction. They will determine whether Vivitrol or any other medication-assisted treatment is the right fit for your case. We will also help you decide whether inpatient or outpatient care is best, as well as continued support as you reintegrate into your daily life without the use of alcohol.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, please give us a call today at (877)855-3470 to learn more about what your personalized treatment program may look like.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.