Treating Alcohol Addiction With Vivitrol®: All Your Questions Answered

According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 27.9 million people over the age of 12 currently suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States alone. 

Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Anne-Marie Odo, DNP, provides the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatments for alcohol addiction, such as Vivitrol®, at Semper Healthcare Services in Addison, Texas. Learn how Vivitrol helps control your alcohol addiction so it no longer controls you.

What constitutes alcohol addiction?

Alcoholism was first classified as a disease by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1956. More recently, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defined addiction — including alcohol addiction — as a chronic brain disorder, rather than just a behavioral problem. 

Addiction, whether to alcohol or drugs, alters our brains. It activates our reward system, triggering dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter that helps regulate:

• Moods
• Sensations
• Motivation
• Feelings of reward

Feeding your alcohol addiction not only forces your body to crave more to achieve the same result, but reduces your natural ability to produce dopamine. This leads to even lower “lows” when you withdraw from alcohol or drugs.

What are the causes and effects of AUD?

AUD is a medical condition that inhibits your ability to control alcohol use, regardless of the negative consequences. It also makes you more likely to relapse when trying to quit.

Risk factors of AUD include:

• Genetics and family history of alcoholism
• Drinking before age 15
• History of trauma

Mental health conditions also contribute to AUD, such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depression

Attempting to quit often results in withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Sleep difficulties
• Hallucinations and/or confusion

Through a combination of counseling and medications, such as Vivitrol, Dr. Odo and our compassionate team help you not only survive any negative symptoms, but thrive.

How does Vivitrol actually work?

First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, Vivitrol (the long-acting injectable form of naltrexone) removes your urge to drink by blocking feel-good hormones, known as endorphins, released by alcohol.

When you’re ready to stop drinking and/or using opioids, Dr. Odo injects Vivitrol once a month into your gluteal area to reduce withdrawal symptoms. You need to cease these substances before using Vivitrol, or you could suffer a dangerous reaction.

Are there any contraindications?

While Vivitrol helps control alcohol and drug abuse in many people, it’s not for everyone. You must be opioid-free for 7 to 10 days before your initial injection.

Let Dr. Odo know if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from:

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Hemophilia or other bleeding issues

It’s also important to inform her about any past or current supplements or medications, especially those containing opioids.

What are the other concurrent therapies?

Dr. Odo recommends combining medications, such as Vivitrol, with other evidence-based therapies, such as:

Individual therapy

Dr. Odo offers one-on-one mental health sessions to help you better understand your issues, end the addiction cycle, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Support groups

Groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), offer solace to like-minded individuals coping with addiction.

Group therapy

Sharing common experiences with others extends a lifeline to help you better meet challenges head-on.

We’re here to help. Keep us in the loop regarding any physical or mental issues that may arise following Vivitrol injections or any other medications.

Conquer your cravings

If you’re ready to resolve your addiction to alcohol or drugs via therapy and/or medications, such as Vivitrol, or discuss other mental health issues with Dr. Odo at Semper Healthcare Services, call our office at 469-746-3114 or book an appointment online today.