Vivitrol is a new opioid and opiate addiction treatment that’s been released on the market. Its main ingredient is naltrexone, which is an opioid agonist. Basically, Vivitrol will attach to opioid receptors in the CNS. There, it will prevent opioid and opiate molecules from being able to stimulate or interact with the receptors.
This prescription medication has been rising in popularity. This is due to the fact that the benefits of Vivitrol outweigh the cons. There are many advantages to taking this medication in lieu of other popular drugs, like methadone and Suboxone. Let’s take a look at 5 benefits of taking Vivitrol below.
#1. Same Dose for Every Individual
It’s difficult for drug abusers to mess up their medication schedule when it comes to Vivitrol. This is because, unlike other medications used for treating opiate addictions, the same dose of Vivitrol is used for every individual. Addiction experts don’t have to try to calculate an optimal dose for each patient. This also means that it’s harder for individuals to abuse this drug.
#2. Monthly Doses
Do you forget to take your pills? Do you have difficulties keeping track of whether or not you’ve already taken your daily pill when you’re stressed or when you have a lot on your plate? If you have a cocktail of medication to take, it can be difficult to keep track of what you have taken and what you haven’t taken yet.
One of the main benefits of Vivitrol is that it is administered as a once-a-month injection. Recovering drug users will venture to an outpatient opioid rehab center where they can get the shot that they need within an hour.
#3. Non-Narcotic and Non-Addictive
One of the main reasons that people shy away from drugs like methadone and Suboxone is because they’re addictive. These drugs are opioid agonists, which means that they stimulate the opioid receptors in the CNS. This tricks the brain into believing that it is still getting the drugs that it needs. With time, a drug user could develop both a physical and chemical dependence on these drugs.
Vivitrol is different. Since it has a different mechanism of action, it is not addictive. It is not even considered a narcotic. Those who decide to take this medication will generally have an easier time weaning off opioids and opiates. They also don’t have to worry about developing a secondary addiction.
#4. Affordability
Vivitrol costs about $1,050 a month. While this may seem steep, this is actually a very affordable drug because the majority of the costs are covered by most health insurance companies. Some Americans may pay less than $100 a month to get Vivitrol shots. There are also many different addiction treatment programs that offer low-cost, if not free, Vivitrol shots.
#5. Overall Effectiveness
Previously, only Suboxone and methadone were used to treat opioid and opiate addiction due to their confirmed effectiveness. Vivitrol is rising in popularity, as recent studies have found that this prescription drug is just as effective at treating opioid and opiate addictions than a daily tablet of Suboxone.
One of the most notable studies had 159 participants. 80 individuals were prescribed extended-release naltrexone, or Vivitrol, and the other 79 were prescribed Suboxone. Only 105 participants completed the trial. Of those that completed the trial, an equal number of participants were prescribed Vivitrol or Suboxone. Those who took naltrexone were also not more likely to turn to heroin use or to relapse on other illicit opioids.
Set Up a Medication Regime Today
Vivitrol is not an inferior medical detox treatment to other prescription medications. The benefits of Vivitrol make it a prescription drug that’s worth looking into.
If you’re addicted to opioids and opiates, it’s time to get help. Learn more about Vivitrol and what it can do for you by reaching out to us today. We’ll help you determine whether this drug is a good fit for you.
