Vivitrol Treatment In San Antonio

Table of Contents

What to Expect at a Vivtrol Treatment Center in San Antonio

What is Vivitrol and How Can it Help?

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, you may be wondering if Vivitrol treatment is right for you. Whether you’re considering Vivitrol for yourself or seeking information for a loved one, this guide will cover everything you need to know about Vivitrol treatment in San Antonio.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a brand-name version of naltrexone, a medication designed to treat individuals with alcohol and opioid addiction by blocking the pleasure receptors in the brain. The Vivitrol shot, administered once a month, helps reduce cravings and prevent relapse, unlike other forms of naltrexone available in pill form.

What Does Vivitrol Treat?

Vivitrol is a prescription medicine used to treat alcohol dependence and opioid dependence.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol is an extended-release form of naltrexone – an opioid antagonist. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects caused by alcohol and opioids.

After completing detox or abstaining from substance use for 7-14 days, healthcare providers administer Vivitrol treatment. For best results, individuals should use the Vivitrol shot as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for substance abuse disorders, alongside counseling and other support methods.

The Vivitrol shot is administered as an injection in the buttocks/gluteal muscle and can remain in the user’s system for up to one month after injection. This extended-release was designed to alter the effects of opioids, so that in the instance that an individual relapses while taking Vivitrol, they won’t experience the same pleasure from substance use as they did before detox.

Who Prescribes Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is often prescribed by healthcare providers specializing in addiction medicine, psychiatry, or primary care. The expert team of healthcare professionals and addiction specialists at Flourishing Foundations Recovery may prescribe medications like Vivitrol as part of a comprehensive treatment program to help our clients detox safely and comfortably.

In some cases, healthcare providers may administer a naloxone challenge test, consisting of a low dose of oral naltrexone, to confirm the absence of dependence and minimize the risk of withdrawal.

Am I A Good Candidate for Vivitrol?

The ideal candidate for Vivitrol treatment should:

  • Accept responsibility for their recovery.
  • Be motivated to stay sober.
  • Have completed a detox from alcohol or opioids.
  • Have a support system in place.
  • Have additional treatment plans, including counseling, holistic practices, and wellness therapies in place.
  • Be willing to adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule and follow-up appointments.

Vivitrol is not recommended for:

  • Individuals with opioid dependence who have not undergone a full detox.
  • Patients with kidney or liver disease.
  • Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Those with increased sensitivity to naltrexone.

Vivitrol Treatment Benefits

Vivitrol blocks the effects of alcohol and opioid use, making it a valuable option for those seeking to treat alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. Benefits of Vivitrol include:

Reduced Cravings

Vivitrol helps to reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids, helping to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.

Convenience

The once-monthly Vivitrol shot provides a convenient treatment option for individuals undergoing recovery.

Non-Addictive

Vivitrol is non-addictive and does not produce a high or euphoric sensation.

Additional Support

When used alongside counseling, therapy, and support groups, Vivitrol provides additional support for those in recovery.

Vivitrol Treatment Side Effects

Potential side effects of Vivitrol may include:

  • Injection site reaction, including pain swelling, or redness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased appetite
  • Muscle cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Liver problems
  • Common cold symptoms, including runny or stuffy nose

Always seek the advice of a medical health professional before taking Vivitrol, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. 

Vivitrol Treatment as Part of Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Vivitrol is a powerful tool for individuals seeking to overcome addiction. For the best results, Vivitrol should be used alongside other alcohol or drug recovery treatment programs, such as:

Counseling and Therapy

Vivitrol treatment works best in conjunction with counseling and therapy. Counseling sessions, whether individual, group or family, provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore the root cause of their addiction, learn coping strategies, and develop aftercare skills. By combining this alongside the Vivitrol shot, individuals can face their addiction, and discuss their triggers without cravings, maximizing their recovery.

Peer Support Groups

Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide the chance to connect with those who are facing similar challenges. Vivitrol treatment can complement participation in support groups by providing additional support to maintain sobriety and navigate the ups and downs of recovery.

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatments:

It is not uncommon for those struggling with addiction to also experience co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By pairing Vivitrol with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy for co-occurring disorders, individuals can receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their well-being and maximize their long-term sobriety.

Personalized Treatment Plans

When developing a treatment plan that includes Vivitrol, healthcare providers must tailor the approach to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances for the most effective results.

At Flourishing Foundations Recovery, our team will work closely with each individual to assess their goals, preferences, and challenges and develop a personalized plan to fit their needs. This may involve adjusting the dosage or frequency of the Vivitrol shot and using evidence-based treatments with holistic therapies such as meditation and mindfulness work for long-term success.

Vivitrol Treatment in San Antonio

Are you interested in Vivitrol treatment in San Antonio? If so, we can help. At Flourishing Foundations Recovery, we understand the challenges of addiction and provide comprehensive, personalized care to each of our patients.

Our team dedicates themselves to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery and rebuild their lives. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about if Vivitrol treatment is right for you or if you’re interested in learning more about starting treatment. We can’t wait to support you on your journey to recovery.