Opioid addiction is a disease that has both directly and indirectly affected millions of lives. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 30,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2015, and this number has continued to rise since then. To put this in perspective, the opioid epidemic claims nearly five times more American lives annually than the total number of American soldiers who have died in the Middle East since 2001. Despite efforts by the U.S. government to address the growing opioid crisis, tangible results have yet to be seen. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved Dsuvia, an opioid that is 10 times stronger than fentanyl.
As the opioid crisis gains more national attention, effective solutions remain limited. However, antagonist medications like naloxone and Vivitrol are being used in cases of opioid dependence to help reduce the rates of overdoses and relapses.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a non-addictive, monthly treatment that has been shown to prevent relapse in patients recovering from opioid dependence after completing detox. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, allowing individuals to focus on the psychological aspects of counseling without the risk of relapse.
As an opioid receptor antagonist, Vivitrol attaches to these receptors but does not trigger the release of dopamine, avoiding physical dependence. In a six-month clinical trial, those treated with Vivitrol experienced 90% opioid-free weeks, compared to just 35% in the placebo group. Additionally, 55% of Vivitrol users reported reduced opioid cravings, compared to only 3% in the placebo group. Those on Vivitrol were also 17 times less likely to relapse and stayed in treatment nearly 43% longer than those receiving the placebo.
Overdoses
Heroin and other opioid overdoses are more common than many might expect, though most do not result in death. Approximately 45% of drug users experience non-fatal overdoses, and around 70% witnessed an overdose at some point in their lives. Recognizing the signs of heroin and opioid overdoses can be crucial in emergency situations, as quick action may help save a life.
Heroin Overdose
When heroin is smoked or ingested, it activates neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for feelings of euphoria. However, repeated use can decrease the brain’s white matter over time, impacting behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities. A heroin overdose occurs when the body receives too much of the drug, causing it to go into a state of crisis. Various physiological responses can occur during such an overdose.
Heart
For instance, heroin overdose can lead to arrhythmia, where the heart begins to beat irregularly. This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump adequate blood throughout the body, depriving organs of oxygen, which may cause the body to shut down.
Nervous System
Opioids interfere with the brain’s production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that regulates various functions, including pain. This blockage of pain signals leads to drowsiness, and as opioid use increases, blood pressure may drop, and heart rate may slow, potentially leading to system failure. As tolerance builds, individuals often consume larger doses, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
Breathing
When the body can no longer tolerate the amount of heroin, the respiratory and central nervous systems become compromised, potentially leading to respiratory failure. Symptoms such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, choking, and a limp body may indicate a heroin overdose.
Opioid Overdose
According to the World Health Organization, an opioid overdose is often recognized by a set of three key symptoms known as the “opioid overdose triad.” These symptoms include pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression.
Pinpoint Pupils
Typically, pupils adjust in size based on light exposure—dilating in the dark and constricting in brighter environments. However, opioid use can cause pupils to constrict regardless of lighting conditions, which is one of the key signs of an overdose.
Respiratory Depression
The risk of respiratory depression, characterized by a low breathing rate, increases significantly when opioids are combined with alcohol or sedative medications. This condition can be life-threatening.
Unconsciousness
High doses of opioids can lead to respiratory depression, causing slow breathing that may result in unconsciousness. Without prompt treatment, this can lead to death.
According to the World Health Organization, certain individuals are at a higher risk of opioid overdose. Those with opioid dependence are at greater risk due to increased drug use. Others at heightened risk include people who inject opioids, individuals with medical conditions like HIV or depression, and household members of people in possession of opioids.
While opioid overdoses can be fatal, medical professionals can administer opioid antagonists to reverse the effects. Naloxone and naltrexone are commonly used in such emergencies. Naloxone, in particular, is designed to rapidly reverse life-threatening overdose symptoms and can be administered through injection or nasal spray.
This highlights the importance of contacting medical professionals during an overdose, as they have access to life-saving medications. Although treatments are available, prevention is crucial.
To reduce the risk of opioid overdoses, communities can take several preventive measures. Increasing the availability of treatment for opioid dependence, including for prescription opioids, and monitoring opioid prescriptions while limiting inappropriate over-the-counter sales can help decrease drug misuse and reduce the occurrence of overdoses.
Relapses
Despite preventative measures, drug use and overdoses can still occur, and even after completing treatment, the risk of relapse remains a lifelong challenge for those in recovery.
A study on relapse risks found that many individuals experience relapse during their journey to sobriety. The study notes, “Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of starting treatment. For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% relapse and return to drug use within a year of treatment.“
Relapse, whether it occurs weeks, months, or even years after treatment, can be discouraging. However, it’s important to remember that recovery is a long-term process, and many individuals experience setbacks along the way.
One of the most crucial steps after a relapse is seeking support from loved ones and professionals. Reaching out to family, friends, sponsors, and medical professionals can be difficult, as it involves acknowledging a mistake, but it’s essential for getting back on the path to sobriety.
Viewing relapse as a learning experience rather than a failure can also be helpful. The study identified common triggers for relapse, such as stress, negative emotions, anxiety, boredom, and a lack of positive surroundings. However, each person’s reasons for relapse are unique. Understanding these personal triggers can aid in preventing future relapses.
Given the ongoing threat of relapse, having a tool to prevent it would be invaluable for those battling cravings—this is where Vivitrol plays a crucial role.
The Impact of Vivitrol
While medications like naloxone and naltrexone can reverse an overdose, Vivitrol is an antagonist specifically designed to prevent relapse after detoxification. Vivitrol is particularly effective because it is administered only after a patient has completed detox.
One of the most challenging aspects of recovery is managing the intense cravings during the early weeks of treatment. Although Vivitrol does not eliminate these urges, it ensures that if someone does relapse, they will not experience the effects of the drug. As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol binds to opioid receptors without releasing dopamine. A single injection blocks these receptors for up to a month, allowing patients to avoid relapse and focus on therapy and counseling.ient has completed detox.
By helping prevent relapse, Vivitrol can play a crucial role in maintaining sobriety and supporting long-term recovery for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Risks of Vivitrol
Although Vivitrol is effective in preventing relapse by blocking the release of dopamine during opioid use, it is not without risks.
One significant risk is the potential for overdose. Because Vivitrol blocks opioid effects, individuals might attempt to consume larger amounts of opioids to overcome this blockade. This can still lead to severe consequences, including serious injury, coma, or even death.
Another risk associated with Vivitrol is liver damage and hepatitis. Patients should be monitored for symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes, and fatigue. If any of these symptoms occur, it is crucial to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
First Steps
Despite these risks, Vivitrol offers substantial benefits in addressing the opioid crisis. Using antagonist medications like Vivitrol and naloxone can be crucial initial steps for individuals struggling with substance abuse, helping them get back on track toward a healthier lifestyle and potentially reducing the rates of addiction and death nationwide.
In Conclusion
At Sunrise Recovery, we are committed to a holistic approach that integrates advanced therapeutic models, long-term recovery programs, and clinically proven medications to offer the best prospects for our patients’ recovery. Whether considering residential treatment, outpatient care, or drug and alcohol rehab programs, Sunrise Recovery provides affordable and effective treatment options to support your journey to recovery.
