Vivitrol® (Naltrexone) Treatment and Injections In Longview and Throughout East Texas
Once Opioid Use Disorder has rewired the brain's reward and impulse regulation, stopping the use of opioids can trigger intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse risk that are nearly impossible to withstand. Medication Assisted Treatment at Resolute provides the medical structure and accountability that patients need to recover.
Vivitrol® is a long-acting, extended-release naltrexone injection used as part of an outpatient opioid recovery plan. At Resolute in Longview, Texas, we provide monthly Vivitrol injections that include careful screening, medical oversight, and ongoing follow-up to keep your on the right path.
What Is Vivitrol®?
Vivitrol® is an FDA-approved extended-release formulation of naltrexone. Unlike buprenorphine-based medications, Vivitrol is not an opioid. It is an opioid antagonist.
The medication is administered as a once-monthly intramuscular injection, typically in the gluteal muscle. After injection, naltrexone is released gradually over approximately 28 days.
Oral naltrexone has been available for years, but daily tablets require consistent adherence. The monthly injection improves reliability by removing the need for daily dosing decisions.
How Vivitrol® Works In The Brain
Opioid Receptor Blockade
Naltrexone works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking them completely. It does not activate the receptor in any capacity. That distinction matters.
If opioids are used while Vivitrol is active in the system, the expected euphoric effect is largely prevented. This blockade reduces reinforcement and helps interrupt relapse patterns.
Because it does not stimulate opioid receptors, Vivitrol does not produce opioid-like effects and does not create physical dependence.
A Non-Addictive Treatment Option
Vivitrol carries no diversion potential. It does not create withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. For individuals who prefer a non-opioid treatment approach, this can be an important consideration.
At the same time, receptor blockade alone does not eliminate behavioral triggers. Structured therapy and relapse prevention planning remain essential.
Who Is A Candidate For Vivitrol®?
Vivitrol is appropriate for individuals who have already completed detoxification and are fully opioid-free.
Before the first injection, patients must abstain from opioids for a minimum of 7 to 10 days. Starting naltrexone too early can trigger precipitated withdrawal, which can be severe.
During evaluation, we confirm opioid-free status through clinical assessment and, when appropriate, urine drug screening. In some cases, additional verification methods are used to ensure safety.
Vivitrol may be considered for individuals who:
- Have completed detox and want relapse protection
- Prefer a non-opioid treatment option
- Have difficulty adhering to daily medication
- Want a once-monthly structure
We also review liver function, current medications, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions before recommending treatment.
The Vivitrol® Treatment Process At Resolute
Comprehensive Evaluation
We begin with a detailed opioid use disorder assessment. This includes prior overdoses, detox attempts, relapse history, and psychiatric stability. The goal is to determine whether Vivitrol is clinically appropriate.
Confirming Opioid-Free Status
Because Vivitrol blocks receptors immediately, we must confirm that no opioids remain active in the body. Attempting to bypass this step can cause acute withdrawal.
Safety comes first. If detox is incomplete, we discuss alternative options before proceeding.
Monthly Injection Visits
The Vivitrol injection is administered once every 28 days in clinic. Many patients refer to it simply as the Vivitrol shot. The appointment typically takes only a few minutes, though monitoring and follow-up discussion are included.
Consistency matters. Keeping injections on schedule maintains receptor blockade and reduces relapse risk.
Ongoing Monitoring And Recovery Planning
Follow-up visits focus on craving patterns, high-risk situations, mood stability, and behavioral change. Medication does not replace recovery work. It supports it.
We coordinate counseling referrals when appropriate and continue monitoring for any emerging psychiatric concerns.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Vivitrol®
Extended-release naltrexone has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials involving adults with opioid use disorder.
One widely cited study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (Lee et al., 2016) compared extended-release naltrexone with buprenorphine-naloxone in adults following detoxification. Among individuals who successfully initiated treatment, relapse rates were comparable between groups over a 24-week period. The study highlighted that initiation can be more challenging with naltrexone due to the required detox window, but once started, outcomes were similar.
Other placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated reduced opioid relapse rates in patients receiving extended-release naltrexone compared to placebo injections.
These data contributed to FDA approval and support its role as an evidence-based option in appropriate patients.
Benefits And Important Considerations
Advantages of Vivitrol
Vivitrol offers several clinical advantages:
- Non-opioid treatment approach
- No physical dependence
- No diversion risk
- Once-monthly dosing
- Full receptor blockade
For individuals who have already completed detox, the medication can provide an additional layer of protection during early recovery.
Important Limitations
There are also important considerations.
Because Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors, tolerance decreases during treatment. If opioids are used after missing injections or discontinuing treatment, overdose risk can increase.
Injection site reactions may occur. Liver function must be monitored. Patients must remain fully opioid-free before each injection.
These factors are reviewed carefully before initiating care.
Safety And Monitoring
Common side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, and injection site discomfort. Most symptoms are temporary.
We monitor liver enzymes when clinically indicated and assess for mood changes during follow-up. Individuals with active liver disease or certain medical conditions may require alternative treatment.
Education about overdose risk remains part of every discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Vivitrol® Last?
Each injection lasts approximately 28 days. Monthly dosing maintains continuous opioid receptor blockade.
Does Vivitrol® Eliminate Cravings?
Some patients report reduced cravings, particularly because the expected reward from opioid use is blocked. However, cravings may still occur and require behavioral management strategies.
Do I Have To Be Fully Detoxed Before Starting?
Yes. You must be opioid-free before the first injection to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
Can Vivitrol® Be Used For Alcohol Use Disorder?
Yes. Extended-release naltrexone is also FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and may reduce heavy drinking episodes.
Is Vivitrol® Covered By Insurance?
Many insurance plans provide coverage when medical criteria are met. Our team assists with verification and prior authorization.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
If an injection is delayed, receptor blockade diminishes. We reassess relapse risk and determine the safest path forward before resuming treatment.
Do You Serve Patients Outside Of Longview, Texas?
Yes. Resolute provides outpatient opioid treatment to patients across East Texas within state lines. Individuals frequently travel from Tyler, Marshall, Texarkana, and surrounding communities for care. When clinically appropriate, follow-up may include a combination of in-person and telehealth visits.
Schedule A Vivitrol® Evaluation In Longview, TX
Opioid addiction requires structured medical treatment. If you have completed detox and are considering extended-release naltrexone, we provide evaluation, monthly injections, and ongoing monitoring in Longview, Texas.
Call (903) 213-9120 to schedule a confidential consultation and determine whether Vivitrol is appropriate for your recovery plan.