What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol + Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
When someone is working to overcome addiction, the right support can make all the difference. Recovery isn’t just about stopping drugs or alcohol. It’s about rebuilding health, restoring stability, and giving the brain the space it needs to heal. For many people, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a powerful part of that process. Vivitrol is one of the most widely used and well-researched MAT options for opioid and alcohol dependence.
Contact us today to begin therapy and find your path to recovery.
At Valor Behavioral Health, we offer Vivitrol during our comprehensive, compassionate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) designed to help individuals regain control of their lives with dignity and confidence. Whether you’re just beginning recovery or looking for ongoing support, our Atlanta, Georgia care team is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one need addiction treatment, visit our admissions page or text us at 678-679-4077 today.
What is Vivitrol?
If you’ve been wondering, “What is Vivitrol?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions people ask when exploring their treatment options. Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release injectable form of naltrexone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings for alcohol. It is given as a once-monthly injection, making it a convenient, consistent option for individuals who want protection without daily medication.
Vivitrol is not a substitute for community, therapy, or support. Instead, it works alongside therapeutic care to help reduce relapse risk, support long-term sobriety, and give individuals a safer path forward as they build new routines and coping skills. For many people, it serves as a stabilizing foundation during early recovery, a time when cravings and triggers can feel the most overwhelming.
What is Vivitrol Used For?
Clinically, Vivitrol is FDA-approved for two specific conditions:
- Opioid dependence, after complete detox from opioids
- Alcohol use disorder, to reduce cravings and relapse risk
Vivitrol works by blocking receptors in the brain that would normally respond to opioids or alcohol. This means that if someone does relapse, they do not experience the pleasurable or reinforcing effects, helping break the cycle of addiction and rewiring the reward pathways that fuel dependency.
Vivitrol for Opioids
Opioid addiction can make the brain highly sensitive to triggers, stress, and cravings. For many people, the early months of recovery are particularly vulnerable. Vivitrol can help by blocking the receptors opioids would normally attach to, preventing the “high” and significantly reducing the risk of relapse.
To begin Vivitrol for opioid use disorder, a person must be fully detoxed from opioids, typically 7–14 days opioid-free to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Once the medication is started, individuals often describe feeling more grounded and more capable of focusing on therapy, rebuilding routines, and reconnecting with loved ones.
Vivitrol for Alcohol
Alcohol cravings can be persistent and intense, even after someone stops drinking. Many individuals describe feeling “pulled” back to alcohol during times of stress, boredom, or emotional overwhelm. Vivitrol helps dampen these cravings by blocking the reward response that alcohol produces in the brain.
When paired with therapy, accountability, and skill-building, Vivitrol can make sobriety more attainable, especially for people who have had multiple relapses or struggled with cravings that felt unmanageable on their own. Because it is taken monthly, individuals also avoid the ups and downs of daily medication management.
Atlanta, Georgia Treatment Programs That Offer Vivitrol
Valor Behavioral Health integrates Vivitrol into several of our Atlanta-based treatment programs, ensuring individuals receive structured support as they begin or maintain their recovery journey.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is offered as part of:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Standard Outpatient Program (OP)
Each level of care provides different degrees of structure and support, allowing treatment plans to be fully customized. Clients receiving Vivitrol also have access to therapy, psychiatric services, relapse-prevention planning, and holistic support to strengthen long-term recovery.
How Long Does Vivitrol Last?
Each injection of Vivitrol is designed to last approximately 28–30 days. The medication releases slowly over time, creating stable protection throughout the month. Missing a dose increases the risk of relapse, so staying on a monthly schedule is an important part of treatment.
Many individuals use Vivitrol for several months to a year, depending on their needs. Others use it longer, especially if they feel it offers meaningful stability in their recovery. At Valor Behavioral Health, you and your provider will work together to determine the right timeline based on your goals, progress, and comfort level.
Potential Side Effects of Vivitrol
Most people tolerate Vivitrol well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects.
These can vary from mild to moderate and may include:
- Injection site soreness or swelling
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Mild muscle or joint aches
Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions and liver issues. Individuals are always monitored closely, and our team at Valor ensures Vivitrol is safe, appropriate, and medically supervised throughout the entire course of treatment.
Why Valor Behavioral Health?
At Valor Behavioral Health, we believe treatment should be compassionate, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based care. When someone asks “what is Vivitrol?”, what they often really want to know is whether treatment will help them feel safe, supported, and capable of real change. Our team is here to make that possible.
Clients who choose Valor can expect:
- A warm, non-judgmental environment
- Experienced addiction specialists
- Integrated therapy, psychiatric support, and medication management
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to real-life challenges
- A community committed to hope and healing
Our goal is to help individuals build stability not just in the first weeks of recovery, but over the long term, with tools, structure, and support that empower lasting transformation.
Addiction Treatment
Get Help Now
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues or dual diagnosis disorders and seeking a balanced approach to recovery, our drug rehab in Atlanta may be the right choice.
Our Medical Team
Our medical team is made up of skilled and experienced clinicians who dedicate their careers to treating substance use disorders. We provide a judgment-free environment that enables people to gain control of their physical and mental health again and live their best lives.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Georgia
If you’re ready to explore whether Vivitrol can support your recovery, our Atlanta team is here to help. Call Valor Behavioral Health today to schedule an assessment, verify insurance, or learn more about your treatment options. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Healing is possible, and we’re with you every step of the way.
FAQ About Vivitrol
Vivitrol reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, but drinking while on Vivitrol is strongly discouraged. Not only can it increase health risks, but it can also undermine the therapeutic progress you’re building. For best results, Vivitrol should be used as part of a comprehensive alcohol-free recovery plan.
Many insurance plans cover Vivitrol as part of medication-assisted treatment. Valor Behavioral Health can verify your benefits and help guide you through the process.
A person must complete a medical assessment with a qualified provider to determine whether Vivitrol is appropriate. At Valor Behavioral Health, our clinicians evaluate your history, goals, and medical needs, then create a personalized plan. If Vivitrol is recommended, we administer it onsite as part of ongoing treatment.
Vivitrol is a brand-name, extended-release injectable form of naltrexone. Oral naltrexone is taken daily, while Vivitrol lasts 28–30 days per injection. Both work the same way, but Vivitrol offers steadier coverage and may reduce the risk of missed doses.
Treatment Philosophy
Meet Our Team
