Some people that get sober need more assistance than others to try to get rid of their triggers and cravings. Antabuse, Campral, and Suboxone are all medicines that can help to curb the hankering for drugs and alcohol for someone that abuses them. Another abuse-deterring medicine that can be helpful for someone that is struggling with drugs and alcohol is Vivitrol. This once a month treatment has been shown to be effective in persons that want to stop drinking or using but have been unsuccessful on their own.
Vivitrol is a medical-assisted therapy (MAT) that is influential in helping prevent substance abuse and relapse for people that are recovering from alcohol and opioid addiction. There is controversy with some MAT drugs where people question if the person is really sober when they are being taken. When taking Vivitrol, there are no mind or mood-altering elements to worry about and it is 100 percent non-addictive.
A prescription is needed to get a monthly shot of Vivitrol. The extended-release injectable is an opiate antagonist that works for both alcohol and opioid addiction. Vivitrol is considered a convenient alternative to living a life of addiction or relapsing. To be cleared to take Vivitrol however, the patient must be sober from alcohol and opioids for 7-10 days prior to taking it. This can create a problem for those who cannot stay sober for that long, and must talk to their healthcare provider to be endorsed to take Vivitrol.
When using Vivitrol, the medicine blocks the brain receptors to the reward system. Where drugs and alcohol normally bond to the brain’s receptors, Vivitrol obstructs the high of drugs and alcohol. While Antabuse makes consumers sick when drinking or using, Vivitrol merely keeps someone from feeling the normal effects that they would experience when under the influence.
If someone takes opioids or drinks alcohol while they are taking Vivitrol, they may not achieve getting high or drunk, but they may stimulate the symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms may include irritability, chills, body aches, sweating, fever, fatigue, insomnia, or gastrointestinal problems when mixing drugs or alcohol with Vivitrol. The biggest problem with continuing to drink alcohol or take drugs while using Vivitrol is that people can overdose by attempting to reach the peak of their high to no avail.
Consult a doctor to see if you are a good candidate to take Vivitrol. Using Vivitrol shows better results when combining individual and group therapy along with medical supervision to build a sober life.
If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs and alcohol, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can show you how to get sober and stay sober. Our 12-Step aspects and holistic therapy are instrumental in adorning your soul in recovery.
Call us today:
844-720-6847
