What Is Vivitrol (Naltrexone)?
Vivitrol, also known by its generic name naltrexone, is a medication which is used to prevent patients who have been addicted to certain drugs, such as opiates, from taking them again. Typically, patients take naltrexone while participating in a substance use disorder program. Vivitrol is an opiate antagonist, which means naltrexone works in the brain to prevent opiate effects like feelings of well-being and pain relief. Vivitrol also decreases people’s desire to take opiates.
Patients who experience alcohol abuse can also benefit from taking Vivitrol, as it can help people drink less alcohol or stop drinking entirely.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Addiction Treatment and Rehab
Taking Vivitrol has the potential to produce certain side effects, including nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, tiredness and trouble sleeping. Although rare, some patients experience opiate withdrawal symptoms such as abdominal cramps, restlessness, bone or joint main, muscle aches and runny nose after taking naltrexone. Even though many patients do not experience these Vivitrol side effects, contact your doctor immediately if they last a long time or get worse.
Sometimes sudden opiate withdrawal effects, like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint aches, mood changes and runny nose, will occur within minutes of taking Vivitrol. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these effects. In rare circumstances, naltrexone has the potential to cause serious liver disease in some patients, with increased risk if you take large doses of Vivitrol. Stop using Vivitrol immediately if you experience liver disease symptoms such as persistent nausea and vomiting, severe stomach pain, dark urine, and yellow skin or eyes.
Treatment Options for Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Addiction Symptoms
If you or someone you love begins to develop a Vivitrol addiction, certain signs may become apparent. Naltrexone addiction signs include a preoccupation with finding and taking Vivitrol as well as a lack of interest in hobbies and activities you or your loved one once enjoyed.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Medical Detox
Set up a meeting with your doctor before you stop taking Vivitrol, as abruptly stopping your naltrexone treatment may produce certain enhanced withdrawal symptoms. If you are having trouble managing the withdrawal symptoms of Vivitrol, a medically assisted detoxification program may help. In this type of program, patients will have access to medical professionals while detoxing safely from naltrexone.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Rehabilitation Programs
The Recovery Village offers multiple types of rehabilitation programs for those looking to get off Vivitrol. Here, patients will have access to recreational therapy as well as individual and group counseling while they get the help they need for their naltrexone addiction.
Inpatient Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Rehab
Inpatient Vivitrol rehab is a program where patients live on campus at one of The Recovery Village’s designated treatment centers while they overcome their naltrexone addiction. This type of rehab is helpful for very serious cases of Vivitrol addiction or when it may be too difficult to recover from naltrexone addiction in the patient’s normal environment. Patients can learn different coping skills for their Vivitrol addiction and tips for handling any co-occurring mental health disorders they are experiencing while in the inpatient Vivitrol rehab program.
Outpatient Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Rehab
Once a patient completes their inpatient Vivitrol rehab program, they will be entered into the outpatient naltrexone rehab program. In this program, patients can live at home while attending scheduled treatment appointments at The Recovery Village. If a patient is experiencing less severe Vivitrol addiction, they may begin their recovery in the outpatient naltrexone rehab program instead of the inpatient program.
Outpatient naltrexone rehab offers patients individual and group counseling as well as the opportunity to learn skills in handling any co-occurring mental health disorders they may be experiencing.
Choosing A Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Rehab Center
Picking the right Vivitrol rehab center for you is an important step in your recovery journey. Talk to your doctor about your recovery options to make an informed decision on which naltrexone rehab center is the right fit. The duration of your Vivitrol treatment as well as how much naltrexone you have been taking are important factors when addressing which rehab center is best.
Vivitrol Addiction
Vivitrol Side Effects
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.