Medication Assisted Treatment
person looking out window wondering how long can you take vivitrol
By BrightView
Published: June 25, 2024
Updated: June 28, 2024

Vivitrol (naltrexone) can be an excellent choice for people who want to stop using opioids. Vivitrol is a medication assisted treatment that can help individuals wean off opioids and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

How long can you take Vivitrol? What’s the length of Vivitrol treatment? Learning answers to these questions can help you or a loved one make decisions about treatment for opioid use disorder.

Call BrightView today at 888.501.9865 to learn more about our medication assisted treatment and how we can help you recover in the long term.

How Can Vivitrol Help People with Opioid Use Disorder?

Vivitrol (naltrexone) is the injectable form of a drug that blocks opioid receptors in the brain, removing the ability of opioids to cause a rush or euphoric feeling. It is given by a medical provider every four weeks and releases slowly in the body.

People who have received this drug will not be able to get high from opioids. This can help people who are dealing with opioid use disorder avoid returning to use.

Vivitrol works best in conjunction with counseling and other therapeutic elements, allowing the patient to be treated for the psychological and behavioral aspects of opioid use disorder.

How Long Does Vivitrol Last in the Body?

Every person’s metabolism is different, so medications can last for varying times. Generally speaking, Vivitrol stays in the body between 25 and 50 days. When administered every four weeks as part of an opioid use disorder treatment program, the medication releases slowly over time, remaining effective for the entire month.

What’s the Length of Vivitrol Treatment?

The length of Vivitrol treatment can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. The recommended duration for Vivitrol use is at least 12 months, but it can be longer or shorter depending on the person’s progress and recovery.

It is important to note that Vivitrol is not a cure for addiction but rather a tool to help individuals stay sober. As such, it is often used with other forms of treatment, such as therapy and support groups.

Some factors that may influence the length of Vivitrol treatment include:

  • The severity of the addiction
  • How long the individual has been struggling with addiction
  • The individual’s response to Vivitrol and other forms of treatment
  • Support system and aftercare plans in place
  • Any underlying mental health issues that may need to be addressed

Ultimately, the length of Vivitrol treatment should be determined by a healthcare professional who can assess the individual’s progress and recommend ongoing care.

How Long Can You Use Vivitrol?

There is no specific guidance about how long a person can remain on Vivitrol therapy. As long as a medical provider supervises the medication’s use and deems it useful for the patient, the patient can remain on Vivitrol.

Why Is Vivitrol an Effective Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder?

While no one treatment method will work for every patient, many people can be helped by Vivitrol. Here are some reasons that Vivitrol may be a good choice for the treatment of opioid use disorder:

  • Vivitrol is not an opioid; therefore, it does not have the same potential for misuse or addiction as other medications might have.
  • The once-a-month schedule means patients won’t forget or suddenly stop taking the medication.

Vivitrol can also help reduce drug cravings, making recovery care more effective and reducing the likelihood of patients returning to opioid use.

Call BrightView Today to Get Help with Opioid Use Disorder

At BrightView, we understand that our patients are real people with lives and responsibilities. This is why we are so committed to ensuring that our patients can access the care they need when they need it. From flexible scheduling to telehealth appointments, our patients can get their recovery needs met.

Contact us today at 888.501.9865 or online and start your recovery journey.