Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Injections

Recognizing you’ve developed a dependency on alcohol or opioid drugs is a vital first step to recovery from addiction. The Maltman Medical Center team in Knoxville, Tennessee, provides invaluable support for patients committed to drug rehabilitation, using Vivitrol® (naltrexone) injections to reduce withdrawal effects and cravings. Call Maltman Medical Center or book an appointment online today to learn if Vivitrol injections could help you overcome addiction.

What are Vivitrol (naltrexone) injections?

Vivitrol is a prescription drug that helps people overcome alcohol or opioid use disorders. It contains naltrexone, a synthetic chemical that blocks your brain’s opioid receptors. Naltrexone isn’t a narcotic and is not addictive, so it’s one of the safest substance use disorder treatments.

Naltrexone is available as monthly injections, pills, and films that dissolve under your tongue. Monthly Vivitrol treatments are more convenient and consistent — your provider simply injects the drug into a buttock muscle every four weeks.

Maltman Medical Center offers Vivitrol through its sister company Victory Treatment Program.

Why might I need Vivitrol (naltrexone) injections?

You could benefit from Vivitrol injections if you have an addiction to opioids or alcohol. Opioids include illegal narcotics (heroin) and prescription medications for moderate to severe pain, such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Prescription opioid misuse is an area of particular concern and one of the leading reasons for receiving Vivitrol injections.

Addictions are challenging to overcome, especially because of the side effects you can experience during withdrawal. This occurs when you stop taking the opioid or alcohol on which you depend. Withdrawal effects include:

• Persistent yawning
• Runny nose
• Hot flashes
• Sweating
• Chills
• Muscle twitches
• Restlessness
• Shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Aching bones and muscles
• Cravings

Addiction is both physical and psychological. Physical symptoms pass in time, but psychological cravings are harder to manage. Vivitrol injections combat the biological effects of opioid and alcohol withdrawal and help to reduce your cravings, making the process of addiction recovery considerably less demanding and distressing.

What does Vivitrol (naltrexone) treatment involve?

The first step is determining if Vivitrol injections are right for you. The addiction experts at Maltman Medical Center’s sister company Victory Treatment Program review your medical and substance use disorder history and explain the treatment program involved. If they and you believe Vivitrol can help, you can enroll in the program.

The next step is stopping using alcohol and/or your chosen opioid because you need to be at the right withdrawal stage for Vivitrol injections to be safe and effective. You must also commit to regular talk therapy sessions.

Therapy helps you identify what makes you vulnerable to addiction and address these issues. It also enables you to cope with the emotional challenges of drug withdrawal. It’s safe to stay on Vivitrol long-term if needed, or you can discontinue its use when you feel ready.

Call Maltman Medical Center or request an appointment online today to discover how Vivitrol injections could help you overcome addiction.