What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is the brand name for an injectable form of naltrexone, a prescription drug widely used in medication assisted treatment (MAT). Unlike oral naltrexone, which must be taken daily, Vivitrol is given once a month. Each injection delivers a steady dose of medication throughout the month, eliminating the risk of missed doses.

Vivitrol works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces cravings and prevents opioids or alcohol from producing their usual euphoric effects. For many patients, that means fewer relapses and more stability in recovery.

Who is a candidate?

You may be a candidate for Vivitrol if you are in recovery from alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder. To get started, a healthcare provider will review your substance use history, overall health, and treatment goals to see if it fits well.

Important note: Before starting Vivitrol, you need to avoid using opioids for about seven to 14 days. This gives your body time to clear the drugs safely. Starting Vivitrol too soon can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms, which can be very painful and sometimes dangerous.

Vivitrol treatment may not be right for you if you:

Are currently using opioids or going through withdrawal and need a slower, safer transition
Have certain liver problems
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (your provider will review this carefully)
Have had an allergic reaction to naltrexone

If you’re thinking about using Vivitrol for alcohol or opioid recovery, the best first step is to talk with a treatment provider like BrightView.

Starting Vivitrol treatment

Here’s what to expect when beginning Vivitrol:

Detox phase

You'll need to abstain from all opioids for one to two weeks before taking Vivitrol. How long it will depend on the type of opioid medication or substance used.

First injection

Once it's safe to begin Vivitrol, your first monthly injection is administered in a clinical setting.

Ongoing care

Injections are repeated once every four weeks, typically for several months, with gradual tapering if appropriate.

Monitoring

Regular liver function tests and clinical check-ins help ensure your safety throughout treatment.

At BrightView, we use Vivitrol along with one-on-one therapy, group counseling, and support services to help with cravings and the causes of opioid and alcohol addiction. Our treatment focuses on the whole person to give you a better and stronger path to recovery.

Effectiveness for AUD and OUD

Clinical research shows that Vivitrol can:

Reduce heavy drinking days in patients with alcohol use disorder
Improve treatment retention and lower relapse rates in patients with OUD
Lower the risk of opioid overdose after detox

These outcomes make Vivitrol a valuable tool for eligible patients. That said, it isn’t right for everyone. Working with a qualified provider is essential to determine whether it’s a safe and effective choice for your recovery.

Side effects and safety

Vivitrol is safe and effective when taken under medical supervision. Common Vivitrol side effects include:

Nausea
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site

More serious but less common risks include liver toxicity, severe injection site reactions, and increased overdose risk if relapse occurs (due to lowered tolerance). Seek medical help right away if you notice abdominal pain, dark urine, severe swelling, or trouble breathing after an injection.

How Vivitrol treatment fits into a comprehensive MAT plan

Medications like Vivitrol can be powerful tools for recovery, but they work best when combined with behavioral health care and social support resources. At BrightView, Vivitrol is part of a whole-patient approach that includes:

Individual therapy to address underlying drivers of addiction
Group counseling to connect with peers in recovery
Case management and social support services for practical needs like housing and employment

This integrated model helps patients address cravings, rebuild coping skills, and strengthen their overall health during recovery.

Insurance and patient assistance

At BrightView, we don’t want cost to keep anyone from getting treatment. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. To discuss coverage, call us at 888.501.9865.

Call today, feel better tomorrow.

We're here to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your recovery needs and walk with you on that journey. We make starting your recovery easy with 24/7 phone support, same-day appointments, and weekday walk-ins.

Call us at 888.501.9865 or find the BrightView location nearest you.

Important note: This page is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace guidance from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or another qualified professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment or medication.

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