How long does Vivitrol last? That depends on each person’s physiology but generally remains in your system between 25 and 50 days. Treating addiction is a complex process that requires psychotherapy and medication to treat all aspects of this mental health disorder. Using medication to treat addiction is the preferred method for treating all types of addiction and is very effective when you stick with the program and abstain from drugs or alcohol while taking the medication.
Skywood Recovery is a fully accredited addiction treatment facility that welcomes people struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction who are ready for a positive change. We provide patients with residential and outpatient treatment programs that utilize the latest therapeutic methods and medications for a whole-person recovery experience. Each program is tailored to the individual’s unique symptoms and causes behind the abuse and can adapt depending on their progress. For more information about our substance use disorder treatment programs, send us a message online or call 269.280.4673 today to begin your recovery journey.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist that treats opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorders. Patients receive monthly injections as part of a treatment program that includes behavioral therapy to address all aspects of the addiction. Vivitrol works by binding with the mu-opioid receptors that everyone has and blocks the euphoria that is associated with abusing opioids and alcohol. The medication is injected once a month and can stay in your system for several weeks.
Vivitrol was first approved to treat opioid and alcohol addiction by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006 and is very effective in reducing the risk of relapsing, overdose, and death. Patients begin taking Vivitrol after the detox stage and can continue taking it for an extended period of time. You can take Vivitrol for up to a year or however long as necessary to maintain lifelong sobriety.
There are some known side effects of taking Vivitrol that are typically mild and can include:
- Nausea after the first injection
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Joint pain
- Trouble sleeping
More serious side effects include depression and Pneumonia. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the medication that can lead to skin rash, swelling of the face, chest pain, and trouble breathing. The therapists and support staff at Skywood Recovery specialize in treating opioid/opiate addiction and alcohol addiction at our discreet treatment facility in Augusta, MI. Our programs use a mix of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment to give our patients the greatest chance of reaching their recovery goals.
How Long Does Vivitrol Last?
Vivitrol is an extended-release medication that can remain in your system for up to 50 days. Because each person’s metabolism is different, there is no set time limit for the medication to leave the body. For some patients, the medication will only remain in their system for 25 days. The factors that determine how long Vivitrol can last include:
- Your metabolism
- Body mass
- Age
- Gender
- Medical history
- Exercise habits
- Hydration level
Patients with a faster metabolism can process the medication much faster than someone with a slower metabolism. After the injection, the effects of Vivitrol will begin within two hours and peak after 2–3 weeks. Side effects from the medication typically happen during the first month but will begin to dissipate the longer you are on it. When you are ready to stop taking Vivitrol, medical staff start tapering you off the medication slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Vivitrol and other addiction treatment medications are only available through an accredited addiction treatment program.
Skywood Recovery: Start Your Recovery with Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Michigan
How long does Vivitrol last? At Skywood Recovery, we can answer all of your questions about the recovery experience and the type of therapies and medications that are involved in your recovery. Therapists will run a full health assessment to determine the severity of the addiction. This also allows them to determine what types of therapies and medications can benefit you the most. Using medication to treat addiction is a safer alternative than trying to quit alone and can greatly reduce the risk of relapse, overdose, and death.
To learn more about the benefits of Vivitrol for treating addiction, call 269.280.4673 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff.