One major obstacle in treating patients with opioid use disorder is actually a common issue with other medications—the patient can forget to take their medicine on a daily basis. This is one of the reasons that Vivitrol (naltrexone) can be a great choice for people who want to stop using opioids. What is Vivitrol? How long does Vivitrol last? How long can you take Vivitrol? Learning more about these questions can help you or your loved one make decisions about treatment for opioid use disorder. Vivitrol treatment programs can help patients manage their recovery care on an outpatient basis, letting them get the care they need while still attending to daily activities.
What Is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by an inability to control or stop using opioid drugs despite serious disruption and harmful consequences. In the past, terms like “substance abuse” or “addiction” were used to refer to a person’s inability to control their opioid use. However, the current understanding of how and why people use opioid drugs is far more nuanced. It’s now known that opioid use is a complex constellation of circumstances and symptoms and that, like other types of mental and behavioral health conditions, it is a treatable condition.
What Is Vivitrol and How Can It 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 during that time. 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 in the body 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.
How Long Can You Take Vivitrol?
There is no specific guidance about how long a person can remain on Vivitrol therapy. As long as a medical provider is supervising the usage of the medication and deems it useful for the patient, the patient can remain on Vivitrol.
Why Vivitrol Is an Effective Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
While there is no one treatment method that 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 that patients won’t forget or suddenly stop taking the medication.
- Vivitrol can help reduce drug cravings, making recovery care more effective and reducing the likelihood of patients returning to opioid use.
BrightView Can 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 making sure that our patients can access the care that they need how and when they need it. From flexible scheduling to telehealth appointments, our patients can get their recovery care needs met. Reach out to us today at 888.501.9865 and start your recovery journey.
