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Addiction recovery often requires a multifaceted approach, combining medical support, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. One of the most effective medical tools available today is the Vivitrol shot, a long-acting injectable medication approved by the FDA to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. But how does Vivitrol work in the brain to block cravings and prevent relapse?
The Science Behind Vivitrol
Vivitrol is a brand name for naltrexone, a non-addictive opioid antagonist. Once injected, Vivitrol binds to opioid receptors in the brain, the same receptors that opioids and alcohol stimulate to create feelings of pleasure, euphoria, or sedation. However, Vivitrol doesn’t activate these receptors; instead, it blocks them. This mechanism prevents substances like heroin, prescription opioids, and alcohol from delivering their rewarding effects.
When these receptors are blocked, the brain no longer receives the same chemical reinforcement it has grown accustomed to. As a result, the desire to use the substance gradually diminishes, allowing individuals to focus more fully on their recovery without the constant battle against cravings.
Blocking the High
For individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the effect of Vivitrol can be profound. If someone takes opioids while on Vivitrol, they will not experience a high. Because the brain’s receptors already have naltrexone, the opioids have nowhere to bind. This removes the reward and significantly reduces the risk of relapse.
In the case of alcohol use disorder, Vivitrol reduces the pleasurable effects of drinking. It also produces a “sick” feeling if the person consumes alcohol, which reinforces the brain’s association of alcohol with negative, rather than positive, outcomes. Over time, this leads to a decrease in alcohol cravings as the brain learns that drinking no longer provides the desired benefit.
Long-Lasting Effects
Unlike daily medications, Vivitrol is administered once a month via intramuscular injection. This extended-release format provides continuous support throughout the month, eliminating the need for daily compliance and reducing the temptation to skip a dose.
Once in the body, Vivitrol continues to bind to the brain’s opioid receptors for several weeks, maintaining a consistent blockade. This long-lasting presence in the system is particularly helpful for individuals in early recovery when relapse risk is highest.
Vivitrol and the Brain’s Reward System
The human brain seeks pleasure and avoids pain. In addiction, substances hijack this system by flooding the brain with neurotransmitters like dopamine. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on these external sources for feelings of reward, and natural rewards, like food, relationships, or hobbies, lose their appeal.
Vivitrol plays a key role in resetting this reward system. By blocking the substance’s ability to generate euphoria, Vivitrol allows the brain to restore its sensitivity to natural rewards gradually. This shift makes it easier for individuals to find joy in sober activities and reinforces positive behavior changes.
Counseling Complements Vivitrol Treatment
While Vivitrol is a powerful tool, it works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. At Complete Healthcare’s East Columbus office, patients receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that includes Vivitrol prescriptions, behavioral counseling, and continuous support. Counseling helps individuals explore the emotional and psychological roots of addiction while teaching practical coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques.
Conclusion
Vivitrol offers a safe, effective solution for individuals recovering from opioid or alcohol addiction. By blocking the brain’s ability to experience the “high” associated with substance use, it reduces cravings and prevents relapse. When combined with counseling and continued care, Vivitrol empowers individuals to reclaim their lives and move confidently toward long-term sobriety.