A monthly, non-addictive injection that blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol — a different approach than buprenorphine-based medications, for people who’ve already taken the first step toward sobriety.
A once-monthly injection of extended-release naltrexone — a medication that works by blocking, not treating, cravings through opioid activation.
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, FDA-approved to treat both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder — approved for alcohol dependence in 2006 and for opioid dependence in 2010. It works differently from medications like Suboxone, Buprenorphine, Sublocade, or Brixadi. Those are partial opioid agonists, meaning they activate opioid receptors just enough to ease withdrawal and cravings. Vivitrol takes the opposite approach: it’s an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain entirely, for about 28 to 30 days after each injection.
With those receptors blocked, opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers can’t produce their usual effects. For alcohol use disorder, that same receptor-blocking action helps reduce the reward and euphoria associated with drinking, which can make cravings easier to manage.
As an opioid blocker rather than an opioid itself, Vivitrol carries no risk of misuse or diversion.
One of the few medications FDA-approved for both conditions.
A single injection provides coverage for about 28–30 days — no daily pill to remember.
Given as an intramuscular injection by our medical team, as part of your regular visit.
Because Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors so completely, it cannot be started while opioids are still in your system — doing so can trigger sudden, severe withdrawal. If you’re pursuing Vivitrol for opioid use disorder, you’ll need to be fully opioid-free for at least 7 to 14 days before your first injection. Our team will work with you to confirm you’re ready, sometimes using a simple test, before starting treatment. This requirement doesn’t apply in the same way for alcohol use disorder.
Because of this waiting period, Vivitrol is often not where opioid treatment begins. Many patients start with a daily medication like Suboxone or buprenorphine to manage withdrawal safely, and consider Vivitrol later — once they’re ready for a non-addictive, opioid-free option.
Vivitrol is one medication among several we offer. See the full picture of medication-assisted treatment at Miami Valley Recovery.
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