Addiction treatment programs for opioid problems are vitally essential resources throughout America. Today, these programs’ accepted standard of care is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This form of treatment is a hybrid approach to opioid recovery that combines medication and psychotherapy. One of the medications used in outpatient MAT programs is an extended-release product called Vivitrol. A Vivitrol treatment program offers some key benefits for patients receiving outpatient care.
Vivitrol is part of a full slate of medication options available at On Call Treatment. When paired with one of our therapy options, it helps support your effective recovery from opioid addiction. Take advantage of On Call Treatment’s customized services today. Call our team at 866.276.1920 to learn more about our MAT programs.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a brand-name form of a medication called naltrexone. In your bloodstream, naltrexone acts as an opioid antagonist. This means that it counters the effects of any opioids in your system. Naltrexone does so by blocking the pathways that generally allow opioids to reach your brain. In turn, this blocking effect helps prevent the euphoria that typically motivates opioid use.
Vivitrol differs from generic naltrexone in one crucial way. When injected into muscle tissue, it stays in your system for roughly 30 days. Over this time, the level of medication in your system gradually drops. However, the medication continues to produce its therapeutic effects.
What Happens in a Vivitrol Treatment Program?
A Vivitrol therapy program works somewhat differently than other medication programs for opioid addiction. You do not receive Vivitrol while opioids are still in your system. Instead, you receive it once you reach an opioid-free state.
Why is Vivitrol used in this manner? When naltrexone enters your bloodstream, it rapidly halts the effects of any opioids that are present. If this happens, you can potentially experience severe forms of withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Stomach cramps
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Achy muscles
In turn, you may feel unable or unwilling to continue your addiction recovery. Only using Vivitrol when you’re opioid-free prevents this kind of regrettable scenario.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
The Benefits of a Vivitrol Therapy Program
The main goal of a Vivitrol treatment program is to help you avoid an opioid relapse. Programs of this type also provide you with some crucial secondary benefits, including:
- A greater ability to follow your prescribed treatment plan
- A reduction in the number of times you need to take your medication
- A more reliable overall ability to avoid any temptations to use opioids
The convenience of Vivitrol treatment makes it suitable for people from all walks of life.
Vivitrol and MAT
As a rule, Vivitrol is not used as a sole form of treatment. Instead, you should also receive help in the form of psychotherapy. This MAT approach maximizes your chances of success. It also helps promote your general well-being during opioid recovery.
Forms of therapy used along with Vivitrol include family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Your MAT plan may also have other kinds of therapies. That’s especially true if you’re also affected by a separate mental illness. Your treatment team will help you determine which therapy options best suit your needs.
Turn to On Call Treatment for a Vivitrol Treatment Program in Waltham, MA
Do you or your loved one need help with opioid addiction? Contact the professionals at On Call Treatment. We feature a Vivitrol treatment program in Waltham, MA. We use this program daily as a vital tool in effective opioid recovery. Just choose from our intensive outpatient and day treatment options. You can also reach us through our online form. We’re dedicated to caring solutions that provide real-world results. To learn more, call us today at 866.276.1920.
