Once you’ve made the choice to live a life free from drugs and alcohol, it’s worth considering medication-assisted treatment as part of your treatment plan. Consulting a clinical professional can provide you with information about common medications like Suboxone, Vivitrol, Antabuse, Methadone, and Campral. While these medications can’t achieve sobriety alone, they can help reduce cravings and ease the challenging withdrawal symptoms that often complicate recovery.
What is Vivitrol?
In 2016, the opioid crisis led to the deaths of over 20,000 Americans. Vivitrol was developed to combat this alarming rise in opioid overdoses and abuse. Designed to help individuals in recovery avoid relapse, Vivitrol is an extended-release, injectable form of naloxone that functions as an opioid antagonist. This means it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain. Initially approved by the FDA in 2010 for addiction treatment, Vivitrol became the first non-narcotic, non-addictive, extended-release medication approved for this purpose.
Vivitrol vs. Suboxone vs. Methadone
Methadone
Methadone is an “agonist” medication that binds to and activates the body’s opioid receptors, mimicking the effects of opioids. It’s widely available at certified treatment centers and is typically administered in liquid form for daily use. For decades, methadone has been used to treat individuals addicted to heroin and prescription painkillers. When taken as directed, it helps people overcome addiction and regain active, meaningful lives.
Suboxone
Suboxone combines two drugs: buprenorphine, an opioid activator, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. This dual-action approach allows individuals to gradually taper off their addiction while reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Administered as a dissolvable film or pill, Suboxone is prescribed for treating opioid dependence and should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and psycho-social support.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is an “antagonist” that binds to opioid receptors, but instead of activating them, it blocks the effects of other opioids. It can be prescribed by any healthcare provider and is available as a daily pill or a monthly injection. It’s important to note that if you’ve used opioids or opioid-containing medications before starting Vivitrol, using the same amount of opioids as before treatment could result in overdose and potentially death.
Benefits of Vivitrol
Vivitrol is considered safer than Suboxone and Methadone because it cannot be abused to achieve a high, thanks to its antagonist properties. Unlike the other two drugs, Vivitrol is non-addictive, and you cannot overdose on it alone. However, taking opioids while on Vivitrol increases the risk of overdose. Vivitrol is administered by a doctor in a controlled setting, with the injection required only once a month, unlike Methadone and Suboxone, which can be taken illegally. Additionally, Vivitrol offers greater convenience, as it requires only one monthly doctor’s visit, compared to daily Methadone clinic visits or daily Suboxone use.
Is Vivitrol a Safer Alternative to Methadone and Suboxone?
Vivitrol, like other forms of naltrexone, functions by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors. It binds to these receptors, preventing any high from being achieved if other opioids are taken. This differs from medications like Methadone and Suboxone, which can induce a mild euphoria. Vivitrol is administered in a single dose of 380 mg by a healthcare professional, with the injection occurring once a month and gradually releasing the medication over that period.
Before starting Vivitrol, patients must be opioid-free for 7-10 days. The drug’s concentrations slowly decline a couple of weeks after the injection. Vivitrol is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence and is considered safer than Methadone and Suboxone because it is not a controlled substance. This means it cannot be abused, and there is no black market for it. Clinical studies, including a six-month double-blind trial, have shown that Vivitrol, combined with counseling, leads to a greater reduction in relapses and increased periods of abstinence from alcohol.
However, Vivitrol is not without risks. It can be dangerous if patients attempt to get high on opioids or consume alcohol while on the medication. The blocking effect may lead to overconsumption in an attempt to achieve a high, similar to how someone on benzodiazepines might consume more alcohol without feeling the effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
For more information, read about the detailed side/adverse effects of Vivitrol.
Vivitrol Success Stories
While Vivitrol can be a valuable component of a recovery treatment plan, experts caution against viewing it as a miracle solution or overstating its effectiveness. It is not the sole determinant of treatment success, but the monthly injection can be highly beneficial for those struggling with daily cravings for opioids or alcohol.
In a six-month study, participants received monthly Vivitrol injections combined with counseling, while a separate group received a placebo injection with counseling. Drug tests were conducted to ensure participants were not using additional substances. Despite some participants dropping out, 36% of those receiving Vivitrol achieved complete abstinence from opioids, compared to 23% in the placebo group.
Looking to the Future
Addictions to drugs and alcohol remain some of the most devastating challenges facing individuals today. Healing begins with acknowledging the dangers these substances pose. At Sunrise Recovery, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment with access to resources that aid in overcoming addiction. Visit our website to learn more about Vivitrol and our inpatient residential program in Southern Indiana.
