On April 13, 2006, the United States Food & Drug Administration approved naltrexone as an extended release injection. The brand name for the extended release naltrexone is Vivitrol. Vivitrol is administered once-monthly, in a single 380 mg intramuscular gluteal injection. Assisted Recovery has utilized Vivitrol as an important option since its approval. Our experience has shown that Vivitrol substantially enhances positive treatment outcomes. Vivtrol is manufactured by Alkermes, Inc. of Cambridge, MA.

Vivitrol, which is a long-acting form of naltrexone, is effective and generally well tolerated for the treatment of alcohol dependence. In clinical trials, when used in combination with psychosocial support, Vivitrol was shown to reduce the number of drinking days and heavy drinking days and to prolong and maintain abstinence. Vivitrol, when combined with psychosocial support, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, has helped many who struggle with alcohol dependence to stop drinking, stay sober and rebuild their lives.

Vivitrol works by using a proprietary drug delivery technology which allows the naltrexone to be gradually released into the body at a controlled rate over a one-month time period, providing Assisted Recovery clients with convenient monthly dosing, which alleviates the need to make daily medication decisions.

As with all the anti-alcohol medications utilized by Assisted Recovery, Vivitrol is non-addicting, either physically or emotionally, and when discontinued does not cause an adverse reaction. Vivitrol is non-aversive, meaning clients do not become ill as a result of drinking alcohol while on Vivitrol. While very effective, it must be remembered that Vivitrol is a tool rather than a cure. Vivitrol should be utilized in combination with the Assisted Recovery cognitive behavioral therapy counseling program. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) confirms that Vivitrol is best used in combination with counseling.

Another benefit of choosing Vivitrol is that clients do not have to remember to take a daily pill. This is especially important to clients when first starting treatment, as they often lack the necessary clarity to consistently follow a prescription regimen. For this reason, Assisted Recovery highly recommends that all our clients make Vivitrol a part of their treatment solution.

Here at Assisted Recovery, our Medical Director, Dr. Sam Walker, administers the injection of Vivitrol to our clients. Because Vivitrol is administered by a medical doctor, most insurance plans cover the medication under medical coverage rather than prescription drug coverage. Although Vivitrol is typically covered by a client’s insurance plan, some insurers may not cover the medication. Accordingly, clients should confirm coverage with their insurer.