Seeking medical treatment for substance abuse is often one of the most challenging aspects of the recovery journey. Acknowledging to oneself and others that there is a problem with drugs or alcohol is the crucial first step toward finding a solution. Substance abuse affects hundreds of thousands across the country, with tens of thousands succumbing annually—88,000 due to alcohol-related causes and over 70,000 from drug-related issues. Without proper intervention, individuals struggling with addiction risk worsening their condition, potentially resulting in overuse or relapse.
Neglecting to seek professional treatment for alcohol or drug addiction can lead to severe consequences, including overdose or fatal accidents, such as drunk driving. Similarly, self-detoxing or attempting to treat oneself without medical oversight can be perilous and may even result in death if not managed correctly. Seeking treatment and undergoing detoxification in a controlled environment with medical supervision is a critical first step toward achieving sobriety.
Various treatment options are available based on the type and severity of addiction, with detoxification and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) being potential components. MAT involves using medications, such as methadone, to assist patients through the initial withdrawal phase, allowing them to concentrate on other aspects of recovery. Medications used during the early stages of recovery can help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse and overdose, depending on the specific medication.
One prominent and relatively new medication-assisted treatment is Vivitrol, though there are other effective options available tailored to individual needs.
Vivitrol and Its Effects
Vivitrol, the brand name for naltrexone, is a medication designed to help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol binds to opioid receptors in the body without triggering the release of dopamine, thereby eliminating the potential for euphoria. This mechanism helps reduce the risk of relapse in individuals recovering from opioid dependence following detoxification. By blocking the effects of opioids, Vivitrol allows patients to concentrate on counseling and therapy without the risk of experiencing a relapse. Importantly, Vivitrol is non-addictive and does not lead to physical dependence.
Cravings and urges are often the most challenging aspects of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, particularly in the initial weeks of treatment. Vivitrol can be an effective tool during this period, helping to manage cravings and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Clinical research supports Vivitrol’s efficacy. A notable 6-month, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that participants using Vivitrol were 17 times less likely to relapse compared to those receiving a placebo. Additionally, those on Vivitrol reported fewer opioid cravings and remained in treatment longer.
Vivitrol is most effective when administered after detoxification, as it should not be used while the patient is still consuming opioids or alcohol. To start Vivitrol, patients must refrain from using opioids, including methadone, for 7 to 14 days prior to beginning treatment. The medication has a duration of action of approximately one month, with its effects gradually diminishing over time.
Risks
As with most medications, Vivitrol carries potential side effects and risks associated with its use.
One significant risk is the potential for overdose. While Vivitrol can assist patients in resisting the urge to use opioids, it does not entirely prevent relapse. Some individuals may attempt to overcome Vivitrol’s blocking effects by using larger quantities of opioids, which can result in overdose.
Another risk involves liver damage and hepatitis. Patients taking Vivitrol should be vigilant for symptoms such as prolonged stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes), and persistent fatigue. If these symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Injection site reactions are also a common side effect of Vivitrol. Patients may experience intense pain, swelling, lumps, blisters, or open wounds at the injection site. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Other Types of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone
Methadone is one of the most widely used forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It is a synthetic, long-acting opioid prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms in individuals recovering from opioid addiction and participating in drug treatment programs. Methadone also serves as a treatment for chronic pain and can assist in gradually reducing dependency on opioids.
However, methadone can produce several side effects, including:
To mitigate the risk of overdose, patients on methadone are often provided with naloxone, which can be administered by those around them in case of an emergency.
Naloxone
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist similar to Vivitrol. It works by blocking opioid activity at receptor sites, which can potentially reverse or prevent life-threatening overdoses.
Specifically, naloxone is used in emergencies to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing. It is effective only if opioids are present in the system and has no effect if opioids are absent.
Recently, naloxone—particularly under its brand name Narcan—has become a vital tool for emergency responders and even individuals with minimal training to treat opioid overdoses, including those from prescription medications and heroin. Naloxone can be administered via injection or as a nasal spray.
Signs that may indicate the need for naloxone include:
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat addiction. As a partial opioid agonist, its euphoric effects increase with drug use but eventually level off, a phenomenon known as the ceiling effect. This effect helps reduce the risk of abuse, addiction, and side effects compared to full opioid agonists. Like Vivitrol, buprenorphine can block the effects of full opioid agonists and alleviate withdrawal symptoms if administered to an opioid-dependent individual.
Unlike methadone, which requires clinic-based administration, buprenorphine is the first medication for treating opioid dependency that can be prescribed in physician offices.
When used at the appropriate dosage, buprenorphine can help suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, reduce illicit opioid use, and support continued treatment.
Common side effects of buprenorphine include:
Suboxone
Suboxone is a combination medication containing naloxone and buprenorphine. It is designed to reduce the effects of opioids by blocking them from their receptors. Unlike Vivitrol, which completely blocks opioid effects, Suboxone only partially reduces them. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002, Suboxone has been used to treat opioid addiction and does not require participation in a regulated program like a methadone clinic. Its potential for abuse is significantly lower compared to methadone.
Possible side effects of Suboxone include:
Additionally, combining Suboxone with other medications, such as benzodiazepines, increases the risk of severe outcomes, including death and coma.
Medication-assisted treatment, including the use of Suboxone, addresses the physical aspects of addiction, such as withdrawal symptoms. For comprehensive recovery, it should be combined with other critical treatment components like counseling and group therapy. This approach helps patients manage the physical challenges of early sobriety while focusing on the psychological and behavioral aspects of recovery.
Other Aspects of Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is typically used in conjunction with counseling and therapy to address substance abuse disorders. Patients generally begin with a detoxification process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms before transitioning to MAT. Following detox, they enter inpatient or residential treatment, which includes various therapies and support sessions.
During detoxification, patients undergo a medically supervised withdrawal to help their bodies eliminate drugs. This process manages potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms and is essential for safely moving past the initial stage of recovery. Detox focuses on the physical aspects of withdrawal but does not address the psychological and social elements of addiction. After detox, patients can engage in therapy and support sessions to tackle the behavioral components of addiction in either inpatient or outpatient settings.
Inpatient or residential care provides round-the-clock support and supervision, crucial for preventing relapse during the early recovery stages. Inpatient treatment involves individual and group therapy sessions aimed at uncovering the psychological factors behind addiction. Individual therapy allows counselors to understand patients’ personal circumstances, while group sessions offer social support as patients address their fears and pressures related to addiction. Inpatient treatment typically lasts between 30 to 60 days, depending on the facility.
After inpatient treatment, patients are encouraged to participate in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to continue their recovery while adjusting to a more independent lifestyle. IOP includes various therapies, such as group or family therapy, and offers flexible scheduling compared to the constant 24-hour commitment of inpatient care.
Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey that extends beyond IOP. Patients must continuously manage cravings and urges to maintain their progress.
In Conclusion
Vivitrol and other medication-assisted treatments offer valuable support for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders. While these treatments are not a cure-all, they provide an important foundation following detoxification, helping patients manage cravings and urges. Recovery is a long-term process, and seeking comprehensive treatment is essential. If you or a loved one is facing a substance abuse problem, Sunrise Recovery in Jeffersonvile Indiana is here to assist. Our facility provides detoxification, residential care, and intensive outpatient programs, equipping patients with the tools needed to pursue sobriety.
