Vivitrol for Alcohol | How It Works and What to Expect
If you’re looking for options to support your recovery from alcohol, then you may have considered Vivitrol. Vivitrol is used to help reduce alcohol cravings or prevent relapse. It’s FDA-approved and can help support you through sobriety, especially when paired with a sober living home, therapy, and support. In this blog, we will explore what Vivitrol is, how it works, and what to expect if you or a loved one considers this as part of your recovery plan.
If you or a loved one need an environment to help from alcohol addiction, consider the sober living homes offered at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people find a sober and fulfilling life.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release version of naltrexone, which is a medication that blocks the effects of alcohol and opioids in the brain. Each month, your physician will administer a monthly injection, making it a convenient, easy option for people who are overwhelmed and tackling many daily tasks to help support their sobriety.
Vivitrol itself is not an addictive drug, and it doesn’t produce any kind of “high,” but it does reduce the rewarding effects of drinking alcohol. Over time, it can help rewire the brain so that alcohol is less of a temptation.
How Does Vivitrol Work?
When you drink alcohol, your brain will release something called dopamine, which is a feel-good chemical. This chemical can help reinforce behaviors (like drinking more) and help alcohol feel rewarding. Vivitrol blocks the receptors in the brain that react to dopamine so that alcohol cannot give you that feel-good, reinforcing feeling. Over time, your brain will begin to unlearn the cycle of “reward” and craving that alcohol can induce.
When people take this medication, they often find that their urge to drink will begin to weaken. Vivitrol is a great tool for early recovery when cravings are at their strongest and there is a high risk of relapse.
What to Expect with Vivitrol
Before you can receive a shot of Vivitrol, you will need to detox from alcohol. This detox can take 7 to 14 days and should be monitored by a professional. If you take Vivitrol while alcohol is still in your system, you may experience serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, or even sudden withdrawal symptoms.
When you receive the injection from a licensed provider (every 28 days), you may experience some side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or injection site discomfort. But this should go away fairly quickly.
You can expect:
- Reduced cravings over time
- Improved focus on recovery goals
- Better ability to engage in counseling or group therapy
Can Vivitrol Help Everyone?
Vivitrol is generally safe for most people, but it’s not right for everyone. If you have certain liver conditions or allergies, you may need to try an alternative. It’s also not recommended if you are still actively drinking or taking opioids for other conditions. Talking to a healthcare professional is the best way to determine if this is the right choice for your specific case. Read our blog to learn more about how Ozempic may help.
How the Sanctuary Recovery Foundation Can Help
At Sanctuary Recovery, we know that staying sober takes more than willpower. Many use medications like Vivitrol in conjunction with a structured, supportive home environment.
While we don’t offer medical detox or prescribe medication directly, many of our residents come to us after completing treatment. Our sober living homes offer the stability, accountability, and community you need to feel supported. Located near the peaceful South Carolina coast, Sanctuary Recovery provides a healing space where you can focus on the future. Contact us today to find help.
