Vivitrol Injections for Drug Addiction Treatment
Could a Vivitrol Injection for Drug Addiction or Alcohol Abuse Help You? | How Naltrexone Can Aid in Recovery
When the time comes to walk away from addiction, the body may not be as eager as the mind to give up the addictive substance. In these situations, addicts go through withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include everything from nausea to severe restlessness, depending on the drug. Once this process is complete, patients may receive an injection for drug addiction. An accredited facility can prescribe a medication such as Vivitrol to help a person continue to avoid substances like alcohol and opioids.
What Does Vivitrol Do?
The generic name for Vivitrol is naltrexone, and it has been used on patients struggling with addiction since the 1980s when it was first approved by the FDA. In 2006, it was approved for use to decrease the cravings associated with alcoholism. Since then, it has continued to be used for patients recovering from alcoholism or opioid addiction. Vivitrol works by taking over opioid receptors in the brain, blocking some of the effects that opioids can have on the body. It also functions as an injection for alcohol addiction, helping to reduce cravings for alcohol.
How Is Vivitrol Administered?
There are two ways that a person can take naltrexone. The first option is a tablet that needs to be ingested every day. This is something that works well for patients struggling with opioids or alcohol, but it’s very important not to miss or skip doses. It’s important to have medical supervision while taking this medication.
Most people choose instead to use the Vivitrol injection for alcohol abuse or drug addiction recovery after getting sober since it only needs to be administered once a month. Instead of getting all of the effects of the medication at one time, the extended-release formula ensures that the medication is delivered to the body over a long period of time, meaning that a patient doesn’t need to remember to take a pill every day.
Are Injections Right for You?
Each person is different, which is why it’s important to get help from a customized program that takes all of your needs into consideration. The goal is to treat the whole person, not focus solely on the addiction. An injection for drug addiction should not be used alone, but it can be an effective tool in conjunction with other services, including private addiction counseling. Once it has been established that an injection for alcohol addiction would be beneficial, this type of treatment can be incorporated into a relapse prevention plan.
At Tampa Drug Treatment Center, we believe that medically assisted detox is a key part of recovery, and once this is completed, medications can be prescribed as part of an action plan that guides you toward lasting sobriety. If you believe that you would be a good candidate for an injection for alcohol abuse, fill out our form here to connect with Tampa Drug Treatment Center and learn more about all of the different treatment options available. Whether you are interested in outpatient or inpatient services, we can find out what will work best for you. Call today to get a free assessment and get started.