2,629,000 people ages 12 and older struggled with heroin and/or painkiller Substance Use Disorder in the United States in 2015, more people than the population of the entire state of New Mexico. Despite the small amount relative to the entire population, more than 2.5 million people are a significant number of people. The use of Vivitrol shots could help these individuals receive the treatment they need to get sober. Every year the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The survey gathers data on the presence of substance use disorders and mental illness in Americans ages 12 and older. Their data shows the staggering amount of substance-dependent people. The amount of people addicted to heroin and painkillers is especially alarming. Vivitrol shots operate as an opioid antagonist and block the effects of opiates and opioids. Addicts who have access to Vivitrol during early recovery often experience an increased chance of staying sober. Deaths due to heroin and painkiller overdoses surged during the past decade. Because of this, medications like Vivitrol are a necessity to help keep addicts clean after they get sober. With the incredible and effective results of Vivitrol, though, comes an incredible monetary cost. Some facilities, such as jails, started to introduce Vivitrol treatment to their inmates. Since 80% of inmates abuse drugs or alcohol, Vivitrol shots have the potential to make a difference in their lives. Providing incarcerated prisoners access to Vivitrol can help them stay clean. This may reflect in lower crime and reduced recidivism rates. Are you trying to manage a heroin or painkiller addiction on your own? Have you attempted to get sober and found it impossible? Vivitrol shots may be an option to help you stay clean. Find out more about Vivitrol, Vivitrol side effects, Vivitrol vs. Suboxone and other drugs, as well as the cost of Vivitrol. Educating yourself on the options available helps you make an informed decision for your heroin addiction recovery.
What is Vivitrol and how can it help me get sober from heroin and painkillers?
Vivitrol is the brand name of a drug containing the active ingredient naltrexone. The drug comes in the form of Vivitrol shots or injections. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioid and opiate drugs. If you used heroin or painkillers while on Vivitrol, you would not feel the effects of the drugs. Each Vivitrol shot lasts for a month before the next injection is required. The length of effectiveness is much longer than other detox drugs on the market, making it effective for use in outpatient treatment. Additionally, Vivitrol helps control cravings for opiates and opioids. Since naltrexone attaches to opioid receptors, it reduces the desire for drugs. As long as you keep up with your treatment and receive your Vivitrol shot every month, your chances of staying clean increase. With the help of Vivitrol, you can move through early recovery with fewer thoughts of getting high. This allows you to focus entirely on your sobriety. You receive the time to develop coping skills and relapse prevention methods to help you once you finish your treatment.
What is the difference between Vivitrol vs. Suboxone? What about Vivitrol vs. Methadone?
Vivitrol is different from detox drugs as it is used after the detox period to help addicts maintain their clean time. When you consider Vivitrol vs. Suboxone or Vivitrol vs. Methadone, it’s similar to comparing apples and oranges. They’re complementary drugs rather than competing ones.
Vivitrol vs. Suboxone
The active ingredient in Suboxone is buprenorphine, a drug that alleviates withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings. True, both Suboxone and Vivitrol reduce opiate and opioid cravings. But Suboxone is intended for use as a painkiller and heroin detoxification drug while Vivitrol is made to function as a sobriety maintenance drug. Comparing Vivitrol vs. Suboxone is ineffective because they work best in two completely different situations. Rather than comparing the two, you should look at them as helping one another. Suboxone helps you get through the first few days or weeks of clean time. Vivitrol helps you stay clean once you have detoxed completely.
Vivitrol vs. Methadone
The comparison of Vivitrol vs. Methadone is similar to Vivitrol vs. Suboxone. Methadone was made to help addicts through the detoxification period, to manage withdrawal symptoms. Methadone helps to relieve the excruciating withdrawal symptoms experienced during detox. Vivitrol shots are not meant for use during the detoxification period. Methadone is a stronger detox drug than Suboxone, used in more severe cases of opiate and opioid dependence. Still, when you use Vivitrol after methadone treatment, your likelihood of staying sober looks better. Again, rather than comparing Vivitrol vs. Suboxone or Vivitrol vs. Methadone, look at them as helping the other do its job. Suboxone and methadone get you sober. Vivitrol keeps you sober. But you can’t stay sober on Vivitrol shots alone.
Can I take Vivitrol shots on their own or do I need to use them in combination with other treatments?
Although Vivitrol reduces cravings and eliminates the effect of opiates and opioids, they should not be used on their own. Vivitrol is most effective when combined with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Taking the injections without attending additional treatment is like putting a bandaid over a gaping wound; it may stem the bleeding for a moment but the problem will only get worse. Instead, attend counseling and seek cognitive behavioral therapy while you are on Vivitrol. During your sessions, you will work on developing coping skills to help you manage triggers. You will also learn relapse prevention techniques to help you avoid relapse when triggers arise. Without these necessary skills and techniques, you will have no defense against opiates and opioids once the Vivitrol treatment is over.
What is the potential for addiction when comparing Suboxone vs. Vivitrol or Methadone vs. Vivitrol?
One of the largest concerns around Suboxone or methadone treatment is the potential for addiction. Both Suboxone and methadone are also prescription opioid drugs. They are helpful when used in a clinical setting but dependence upon these drugs can develop. If you compare the potential for addiction in Suboxone vs. Vivitrol, there is no contest. Vivitrol is a non-addictive medication, producing fantastic results in those who take it. Methadone, which is even more addictive than Suboxone, has a similar story. Methadone vs. Vivitrol is again null and void. You cannot develop a physical dependence upon Vivitrol. You might rely upon the drug to help keep you sober, but that is where additional treatment comes in. The goal of Vivitrol doctors is to help you develop and rely upon the tools to stay sober without the medication. Vivitrol shots provide you a decent amount of time to learn these skills and techniques to stay clean.
How much does Vivitrol cost? Will my insurance cover my Vivitrol prescription?
One dose of Vivitrol costs between $1,300 and $1,500 without insurance (at the time of writing, according to GoodRX.com). Such an effective and long-lasting medication results in a higher price tag. The benefits of Vivitrol shots are immense but they come with a price. Since you will only take the injections for about a year, the benefits of the drug may outweigh its cost. The biggest drawback of the injections is the cost of Vivitrol, without a doubt. Certain insurance packages and some Medicare plans include Vivitrol shots in their benefits. You will have to consult with your individual insurance company to find out whether or not Vivitrol is covered for you. It may or may not be financially reasonable for you at the moment, but Vivitrol shots have the opportunity to save your life. With the use of them, you can develop the habits and skills necessary to live a clean and sober life.
How do I find a Vivitrol doctor who will give me my Vivitrol shots?
The best way to locate a Vivitrol doctor is to get in touch with either your primary care physician or your insurance. The best course of action would be to first consult with your doctor. You can discuss the positives and negatives of Vivitrol shots and whether they will be helpful for your treatment. You can also consider the cost of Vivitrol with your doctor. They will not provide financial advice but can provide a more accurate picture of the pricing of Vivitrol. Your doctor or your insurance company will then recommend you to a Vivitrol doctor. Doctors who specialize in or are familiar with addiction recovery will provide the shots. In order to find the best deal on Vivitrol doctors and Vivitrol costs, talking with your insurance company is important. Before you make any decisions regarding addiction treatment, be sure to speak with your insurance company first.
Will I have to take Vivitrol shots for the rest of my life?
Treatment with a Vivitrol doctor and Vivitrol injections usually take place over the course of a year. The length of your treatment will be determined by your doctor during your assessment. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may need to receive injections for a shorter or longer period of time. Consult with your primary care physician to find out an overview of the length of Vivitrol shots. Additionally, your Vivitrol doctor can provide a more detailed and accurate estimation of the length of treatment. Your time with Vivitrol also depends on how you respond to your counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. If your medical team determines you are not progressing mentally, you may have to use Vivitrol shots for longer. Without a solid base and a recovery-oriented mind, you have little chance of staying sober without your injections.
What happens after my Vivitrol doctor finishes my treatment plan?
During Vivitrol treatment, you will have learned the coping skills and relapse prevention techniques to help you stay clean. However, additional treatment after you finish with your Vivitrol doctor may help. Your doctor might decide that aftercare and continuing with your counselor is the best course of action. Continued treatment with a counselor gives you the opportunity to process your day-to-day life as a clean and sober individual. Difficulties in life will always arise. Having a certified professional to guide you through the ups and downs during the first few years of recovery may help. There is no one-size-fits-all to treatment, though. You first need to speak with your doctor to find out what is best for you. Vivitrol can help you stay sober long enough to develop the tools needed to stay clean. You need to make sure you do the work, though, because the Vivitrol shots can’t help you forever.
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