Vivitrol Injection in Charleston, SC
Monthly naltrexone injection for opioid and alcohol use disorders — no daily medication, no abuse potential.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, a monthly intramuscular injection approved by the FDA for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Unlike buprenorphine (Suboxone/Sublocade), naltrexone is not an opioid — it is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors for approximately 30 days. For alcohol use disorder, it reduces the rewarding effects of drinking and decreases cravings. At Hope Addiction Medicine in West Ashley, Vivitrol is administered in our office and takes approximately 10 minutes.
Vivitrol for Opioid Use Disorder
For patients with opioid use disorder, Vivitrol requires complete detoxification from all opioids first — typically 7 to 14 days opioid-free. This is a critical safety requirement: administering naltrexone to a patient with opioids in their system can trigger severe precipitated withdrawal. Our providers carefully coordinate the timing of your first Vivitrol injection and may recommend a naltrexone challenge test before administration. Vivitrol is a good option for patients who prefer opioid-free treatment, have completed detox, or want an alternative to buprenorphine.
Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder
For alcohol use disorder, Vivitrol does not require detoxification. Patients can begin Vivitrol while still drinking in many cases — your provider will discuss the appropriate timing. Vivitrol reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, making it easier to drink less or abstain entirely. The monthly injection eliminates daily medication compliance, which is especially valuable for patients who have struggled with taking oral naltrexone consistently.
Who Is a Candidate?
Vivitrol is appropriate for patients who prefer opioid-free treatment for opioid use disorder, patients who have completed detox and are fully opioid-free for 7-14 days, patients with alcohol use disorder seeking to reduce or stop drinking, court-ordered patients (Vivitrol has no abuse or diversion potential), and patients who prefer monthly injections over daily medication. Patients from across the greater Charleston area choose our West Ashley office for convenient Vivitrol administration.
Common Symptoms
Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You must be opioid-free for 7-14 days before your first Vivitrol injection. Administering naltrexone while opioids are in your system can cause severe precipitated withdrawal.
Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors. Opioids will not produce their usual effect while Vivitrol is active. Attempting to override the blockade with large doses of opioids is extremely dangerous and can cause overdose death.
No. Naltrexone is not an opioid and has no abuse potential. It does not produce euphoria or physical dependence.
Most insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare cover Vivitrol. Alkermes (the manufacturer) also offers a patient assistance program for eligible uninsured patients.