Opioid & Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Opioid and alcohol treatment has two aspects of focus, counseling, and medication. Counseling targets the brains cortex responsible for reasoning, decision-making, planning, and thinking, helping treat the psychological components of dependence.
The medication targets the brains limbic region, responsible for the physical effects of dependence, including basic drives or urges, pleasure, and rewards.
Is Vivitrol Similar To Disulfiram
Vivitrol and disulfiram are medications that may be prescribed to help with certain substance dependencies. With dependence, your body needs a certain substance for you to feel comfortable.
Vivitrol treats alcohol and opioid dependence. Disulfiram is used to treat alcohol dependence only.
A brand-name version of disulfiram called Antabuse used to be available but has been discontinued.
To learn more about how these medications are alike and different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
How Effective Are Sublocade And Vivitrol
You may wonder whether Sublocade and Vivitrol are effective at treating your condition.
Both Sublocade and Vivitrol have been found to be effective for treating opioid use disorder. The American Society of Addiction Medication and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration list both drugs as treatment options for opioid use disorder.
If youd like to read more about how each drug performed in studies, see the prescribing information for Sublocade and Vivitrol.
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Vivitrol Injection Could Be Best Shot At Beating Alcohol Or Drug Addiction
DENVER – There is now a Food and Drug Administration-approved, monthly injection to treat addiction to alcohol, heroin and prescription pain pills. It’s called Vivitrol. They prescribe it at Arapahoe House Treatment Centers in Colorado and they say it is working.
John, who didn’t want to reveal his last name, told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh he is an alcoholic.
“Wake up in hospital rooms. Wake up in jail. Wake up in detox,” John said, and that’s what his life has been for years.
“By God’s grace, I’m still here today to even talk about it,” he told Walsh.
Alcohol addiction has owned John for two decades. He grew up in a good family, attended Cherry Creek Schools and started drinking at age 17.
According to John, “At that time I didn’t get drunk all the time, I just maintained a buzz.”
Drinks led to addiction and no job, no friends, no future. At his worst, John drank hand sanitizer when he couldn’t get a drink in the hospital.
“I know there’s alcohol in hand sanitizer. I go and steal a bag of hand sanitizer. I go to the bathroom and drink it,” he said.
Six months ago, John decided to give rehab another shot. This time, treatment came with a monthly injection of Vivitrol.
“Vivitrol is an extended release drug,” explained Arthur Schut, President and CEO of Arapahoe House.
Vivitrol is FDA-approved and non-addictive. According to Schut, it’s used to treat addiction to alcohol, heroin and prescription pain pills.
First published on September 23, 2015 / 10:55 PM
Key Points: Understanding Vivitrol Treatment & Your Recovery
Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist used as part of a complete treatment program for opioid or alcohol dependence
- Vivitrol contains the active ingredient naltrexone
- Vivitrol is a once-monthly 380 mg intramuscular injection
- Vivitrol injections provide long-term maintenance treatment for alcohol or opioid dependence
- The injection must be given by a certified health professional
- An opioid-free period of 714 days is required before starting on Vivitrol, to avoid causing sudden opioid withdrawal
- Vivitrol is not right for everyone, speak with your health care provider for more information
For more information about professional treatment programs for drug and alcohol rehab, reach out to The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health.
- Sources
Asam.org. State Medicaid Reports. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2019. Accessed 25 July 2019
Drug Approval Package. Vivitrol . U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 16 January 2009. Accessed 24 July 2019
Gastfriend, David. Intramuscular Extended-Release Naltrexone: Current Evidence. The New York Academy of Sciences, 27 January 2011. Accessed 25 July 2019
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Can Sublocade And Vivitrol Be Used Together
No, Sublocade and Vivitrol cant be used together.
Sublocade is a partial opioid agonist. This means the drug works similarly to opioids in your body. But Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist. This means the drug completely blocks the effects of opioids in your body.
If you use these drugs together, Vivitrol will block the effects of Sublocade. If you have Sublocade in your system and you use Vivitrol, you might experience unpleasant opioid withdrawal symptoms. Examples of these symptoms include belly pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
To avoid this, dont use Sublocade or any other buprenorphine products for at least 7 days before starting Vivitrol. If you have questions about using Sublocade and Vivitrol together, talk with your doctor.
Getting Started With Vivitrol Services In Denver Co
Vivitrol has proven to be a safe and effective medication that can significantly increase the likelihood of successful recovery from alcohol or opioid addiction when used with counseling.
Magnolia Medical Groups Vivitrol treatment program in Denver is here to help those who wish to overcome their addiction so they can live healthy lives free from chemical dependency. Our outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment, and addiction counseling restore an individuals mind and body and empower a return to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
If youre interested in Vivitrol therapy, !
Image Source: Stock-Asso / Shutterstock
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Can I Switch Between Sublocade And Vivitrol
The short answer: Its possible.
Details: You may be able to switch from Sublocade to Vivitrol or vice versa. However, this should only be done under close supervision by a healthcare provider.
Remember that Sublocade is a partial opioid agonist, so the drug works similarly to opioids in your body. Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, meaning it completely blocks the effects of opioids in your body. And both drugs are long-acting and stay in your system for several weeks after your last dose.
If you have Sublocade and Vivitrol in your system at the same time, Vivitrol will block the effects of Sublocade. And if you have Sublocade in your system when starting Vivitrol, you might experience unpleasant opioid withdrawal symptoms.
For this reason, youll likely have to wait awhile after stopping Sublocade before starting Vivitrol. Your doctor will have you get bloodwork done. This way they can see the amount of medication still in your body and tell you when to switch. When switching from Vivitrol to Sublocade, youll likely have to wait until its time for your next monthly dose.
If you have questions about making the switch, talk with your doctor.
Reminder: You shouldnt switch drugs or stop your current treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
How Vivitrol Is Given
You should take Vivitrol according to your doctor or healthcare professionals instructions.
Vivitrol is given as an injection into the muscle of your buttock. Ahealthcare professional will give you the injections at your doctors office.
Each month, your doctor will alternate which buttock you receive the Vivitrol injection in. For example, if you receive an injection in your left buttock, your next injection will be in your right buttock. This is called rotating injection sites. The purpose of this is to decrease scarring and reactions that can occur when you have a medication injected into the same place.
Once Vivitrol is injected, it lasts in your body for about 1 month. It cant be removed from your body.
Its important to never give yourself a Vivitrol injection. The drug needs to be injected into a muscle, as opposed to in a vein or under your skin . Incorrect injections can cause serious injury and may require you to go to a hospital.
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What Is The Cost Of Sublocade And Vivitrol
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when youre considering these drugs.
Keep in mind that what youll pay for either drug will depend on your treatment plan, health insurance, and the pharmacy you use. It may also depend on the cost of the visit to your healthcare provider to receive doses of Sublocade or Vivitrol.
Sublocade and Vivitrol are both brand-name drugs. These drugs also have generic forms. Youll usually pay more for brand-name drugs than for generics. If youre interested in using the generic form of either drug, talk with your doctor.
Boxed Warning For Sublocade: Risk Of Serious Harm Or Death If Injected Into A Vein
Sublocade has a
Sublocade shouldnt be injected into a vein. Sublocade should only be injected under your skin.
Sublocade becomes a solid mass after its injected into your body. So if the drug is injected into a vein, this mass can move through your body. As a result, the mass may block the blood supply to your vital organs. For this reason, youll need to receive Sublocade injections from a healthcare provider.
Sublocade is only available through the Sublocade Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program. Only healthcare providers certified by this drug safety program are able to get, prescribe, and give Sublocade.
The location where you get Sublocade must also be certified through this program.
For more information about this program, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the Sublocade REMS website or call 866-258-3905.
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Can I Take Sublocade Or Vivitrol To Treat An Opioid Overdose
No, you shouldnt take Sublocade or Vivitrol to treat an opioid overdose.
Both Sublocade and Vivitrol are used to help lessen your opioid cravings. The drugs are long-acting and dont work quickly enough to treat an opioid overdose.
Narcan is the preferred drug for treating opioid overdose. The drug acts within minutes to help reverse an overdose.
If you have any questions about how to treat an opioid overdose, talk with your doctor.
Does Vivitrol Cause Weight Gain
Vivitrol , a medicine used for opioid or alcohol use disorder, has been reported as causing both weight gain and weight loss. In studies, it was reported to lead to a decreased appetite and other stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, which could decrease your weight. Naltrexone is also approved to help with weight loss when used in combination with bupropion .
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Will I Gain Weight While Im Taking Vivitrol
Its possible, but not likely.
In clinical trials, weight gain rarely occurred in people who took Vivitrol. Its possible that this weight gain occurred due to better nutrition. People who are dependent on opioids or alcohol may not eat properly or may vomit their food. So its possible that by stopping the use of alcohol or opioids and returning to a healthy lifestyle, you may gain weight.
However, naltrexone can be used with another medication called bupropion for weight loss. Therefore, naltrexone may control other cravings for food as well. Weight gain is probably not a side effect of Vivitrol use because naltrexone is also used for weight loss.
If youre concerned about weight gain while taking Vivitrol, talk with your doctor. They can review your diet and exercise habits.
What Should I Know About Vivitrol Vs Naltrexone
Vivitrol and naltrexone are both prescribed for treating opioid and alcohol dependence. With dependence, your body needs a certain substance for you to feel comfortable.
Vivitrol is given by a healthcare professional as a once-monthly injection into your buttock. Naltrexone comes as a tablet that you swallow, usually once per day.
Both Vivitrol and naltrexone contain the same active drug: naltrexone. Since they contain the same active ingredient, Vivitrol and naltrexone are alike in many ways. But they also have some important differences.
Check out this detailed breakdown of Vivitrol and naltrexone. And ask your doctor if you have questions about which drug is right for you.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Vivitrol thats right for you. Below are common dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor.
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Is Prior Authorization Required For Medicaid Coverage Of Vivitrol
Prior authorization for Medicaid coverage of Vivitrol is required in 15 U.S. states, the District of Columbia , and Puerto Rico, as of 2017.
States and territories that require pre-authorization include:
The cost of monthly Vivitrol shots with Medicaid coverage can vary.
A single Vivitrol prescription costs about $1,200 a shot, before adjusting for federal basic and inflation rebates.
But with Medicaid coverage, pharmacy coupons, and drug discounts, this is not a cost you may be responsible for covering by yourself.
To learn how much Vivitrol costs with your Medicaid plan, youll need to refer to your individual policy or contact an insurance representative for more information.
How Should I Receive Vivitrol
- Vivitrol is injected by a healthcare provider, about 1 time each month.
- Vivitrol must be injected by a healthcare provider. Do not attempt to inject yourself with this medication. Serious reactions, some that may require hospitalization, might happen.
- Vivitrol is given as an injection into a muscle in your buttocks using a special needle that comes with it.
- After Vivitrol is injected, it lasts for a month and it cannot be removed from the body.
Whenever you need medical treatment, be sure to tell the treating healthcare provider that you are receiving Vivitrol injections and mention when you got your last dose. This is important because this medication can also block the effects of opioid-containing medicines that might be prescribed for you for pain, cough or colds, or diarrhea.
Carry written information with you at all times to alert healthcare providers that you are taking this medication, so that they can treat you properly in an emergency. Ask your healthcare provider how you can get a wallet card to carry with you.
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Aatod Guidelines For Using Naltrexone In Otps
The medication had originally been approved by the FDA in 2006 for the treatment of alcohol addiction however, it has now been approved for opioid addiction based on the findings of clinical research predominantly performed on heroin addicted patients in Russia. Not only has it demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing relapse to drug use following opioid detoxification, but has also been shown to decrease cravings. Currently it is the only approved medication for opioid dependence that is not a controlled substance. Vivitrol does not display abuse potential, offers a safe alternative for treatment expansion, and has been successfully used in highly motivated groups i.e. impaired professionals, parolees, and probationers. This medication is supplied as a depot intramuscular injection that the patient receives in the gluteal region on a monthly basis.
One must also realize that there is always the possibility that patients treated with Vivitrol could overcome the opioid blockade effect of the medication. The blockade of the opioid receptors by Vivitrol is not insurmountable. Patients who administer large amounts of exogenous opioids in an attempt to overcome the opioid blockade of Vivitrol could face a fatal overdose due to respiratory arrest and circulatory collapse.
Is Vivitrol Used For Alcohol Dependence
If you have alcohol dependence, your doctor may suggest treatment with Vivitrol.
Its used to treat alcohol dependence in adults who have stopped drinking and arent in the hospital for treatment. With dependence, your body needs a certain substance for you to feel comfortable.
Vivitrol should be used as part of a complete treatment program, along with counseling, education, and support groups.
Vivitrol works by blocking binding sites in your body where alcohol attaches. In doing so, Vivitrol stops the release of dopamine . Dopamine creates pleasant feelings and sends signals that make your body want to drink alcohol again. Blocking dopamine release helps you have fewer cravings, which can help keep you from drinking alcohol.
If you have questions about how Vivitrol is used to treat alcohol dependence, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
In addition to its use for alcohol dependence, Vivitrol is also prescribed for opioiddependence. To learn more, see Is Vivitrol used for other conditions? directly below.
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Is Vivitrol A Controlled Substance
No. Vivitrol isnt a controlled substance. A controlled substance is typically a drug that you can become dependent on and misuse.
Vivitrol is the only medication that the Food and Drug Administration has approved for opioid dependence that isnt a controlled substance. This is because Vivitrol isnt addictive and cant be misused.
Is Vivitrol Used For Other Conditions
If you have opioid dependence, your doctor may suggest treatment with Vivitrol. Its used to prevent dependence after detoxing from opioids.
With dependence, your body needs a certain substance for you to feel comfortable. During opioid detox, your body clears the opioids from your system.
Vivitrol is given to help stop you from having opioid dependence again if youve used opioids in the past. For this use, Vivitrol should be used as part of a complete treatment program, along with counseling, education, and support groups.
Vivitrol works by blocking binding sites in your body where opioids attach. In doing so, Vivitrol stops the release of dopamine . Dopamine creates pleasant feelings and sends signals that make your body want to take opioids again. Blocking dopamine release helps you have fewer cravings, which can help keep you from being dependent on opioids.
Opioid dependence is possible with typical use of opioid medications, even when theyre prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed.
If you have questions about how Vivitrol treats opioid dependence, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Can I Take Vivitrol To Treat An Opioid Overdose
No, you shouldnt take Vivitrol to treat an opioid overdose. Vivitrol works to help stop opioid cravings and the feeling that you need opioids in your body. The drug acts slowly but lasts for a long time in your body. An opioid overdose requires a medication that acts quickly, so Vivitrol isnt a good choice to treat overdoses. Vivitrol doesnt work fast enough to stop an overdose.
Naloxone , on the other hand, is a medication thats used to treat opioid overdoses. This medication stops the high feeling you may get from opioids. Naloxone works for only a short period of time to reverse an overdose that already occurred. Naloxone acts very quickly to help reverse an overdose.
To sum up, Vivitrol can be used to help stop opioid cravings, but it wont work quickly enough in the case of an opioid overdose. Narcan can be used in the case of an opioid overdose, but it wont help in the treatment of alcohol or opioid dependence.
If you have any questions about Vivitrol or naloxone, or how to treat an opioid overdose, talk with your doctor.
