Vivitrol is the brand name for an FDA-approved prescription injection called naltrexone, which is used to help reduce cravings for alcohol, opioids, and prescription drugs in patients who have completed a detox program but are still struggling with drug or alcohol cravings. Cravings can last for weeks, months, or even years after a person has been sober. Medications like Vivitrol are commonly used to combat these cravings and help patients in their recovery and sobriety. When combined with a complete addiction care schedule, Vivitrol treatment is highly effective.
What Is Vivitrol?
At Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago, we offer Vivitrol for addiction treatment patients who want to fight off drug or alcohol cravings that would benefit the most from this therapy. Also known by the brand name naltrexone, Vivitrol is a medication used to block the effects of opioids like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone, including the euphoria that occurs when these drugs are abused. This medication is part of our Chicago rehab programs for certain clients who require additional support for cravings.
Vivitrol is most successful when it is regulated, monitored, and used alongside professional drug or alcohol addiction treatment. If you’re recovering from addiction or have been sober, you don’t have to battle cravings on your own. If you are interested in Banyan’s Vivitrol treatment in Chicago, reach out to us to learn more about prescribing requirements, benefits, and possible side effects.
Vivitrol Prescribing Requirements
To receive a Vivitrol injection, patients must be completely sober and cannot have an active addiction. Vivitrol might not be for everyone. Patients can take Vivitrol for alcohol abuse or opioid cravings.
Clients must undergo a complete medically supervised detox to take Vivitrol and benefit from its effects. If the individual is actively using opioids, taking painkillers, or drinking alcohol while taking Vivitrol, they can experience harmful side effects and increase their risk of overdose.
After completing medical detox, some patients can take Vivitrol as part of their opiate addiction treatment or alongside other programs. While it’s an effective way to prevent relapse, treat cravings, and treat addiction, patients will need to undergo additional therapies during their Vivitrol treatment.
How Does Vivitrol Work?
Vivitrol works by blocking the brain from absorbing drugs like opioids, which helps to reduce drug cravings during substance abuse treatment. It works by blocking effects like euphoria and sedation that the central nervous system experiences when opioids or alcohol are ingested. Vivitrol binds to the receptors in the brain that would normally absorb these substances, protecting the brain from intoxication.
Vivitrol shots are effective at preventing alcohol and opioid cravings, helping patients stay sober. We offer Vivitrol alongside other programs and therapies at our Chicago addiction treatment center. Because you must stop using opioids and drinking alcohol on Vivitrol, the medication cannot keep a person sober on its own and requires the support of additional care to help the person maintain their sobriety.
Although Vivitrol helps block cravings, it doesn’t confront the other components of relapse like social constraints or other environmental influences. A full program - like our Chicago PHP or IOP - is needed to help a person fully recover from their addiction. Vivitrol is only one step in the recovery process.
How to Get Vivitrol in Chicago
Vivitrol must be prescribed by a doctor or medical professional. Not everyone will meet the Vivitrol prescribing requirements, so it’s important to discuss the possibility of receiving this treatment with a doctor or qualified medical professional.
Our Chicago rehab center offers Vivitrol treatment for patients who may benefit from this method to control and prevent their drug or alcohol cravings. Every patient will be assessed to decide whether they can gain from this treatment and identify the best form of treatment for them.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and cravings, contact Banyan Treatment Centers to learn more about our options for rehab, detox, and relapse prevention.
Not all programs available at all locations. Please contact the location for availability.
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Other Treatment Options
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At Banyan Chicago our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.