By Dr. Paul Schneider, DO | Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Tired of remembering to take daily medication? Worried about keeping pills in your home? Looking for a different approach to addiction treatment that doesn’t involve taking something every day?
Vivitrol might be exactly what you need.
Vivitrol is a once-monthly injection that treats both alcohol and opioid use disorders without any daily medication to remember. One shot lasts 30 days, blocking the effects of opioids and reducing alcohol cravings so you can focus on rebuilding your life instead of managing medication schedules.
At Vigeo Wellness in Fort Worth and Weatherford, we’ve seen Vivitrol help people achieve lasting recovery when they need a non-opioid option or prefer the convenience and accountability of monthly treatment. This guide will explain everything you need to know about Vivitrol—how it works, who it’s right for, and whether it might be the missing piece in your recovery journey.
📞 Fort Worth: 817-634-5521 | Weatherford: 817-672-9407
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, a medication that’s FDA-approved to treat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Unlike Suboxone which contains a partial opioid, Vivitrol contains no opioids at all—it’s a pure opioid blocker administered as a monthly injection.
The active ingredient is naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in your brain. Think of it as putting a shield over the receptors that opioids and alcohol typically activate, preventing them from producing their usual effects.
How Vivitrol Is Different from Other Treatments
Vivitrol vs. Suboxone: Suboxone contains buprenorphine (a partial opioid) and requires daily dosing. Vivitrol contains no opioids and is given monthly. Suboxone can be started during withdrawal, while Vivitrol requires you to be completely opioid-free for 7-14 days first. Both are effective, but they work differently and suit different situations.
Vivitrol vs. Daily Naltrexone Pills: The medication is the same (naltrexone), but Vivitrol is an injection that lasts 30 days while pills must be taken daily. The injection ensures consistent medication levels and eliminates the risk of forgetting doses or skipping medication during difficult moments.
Vivitrol vs. Methadone: Methadone requires daily clinic visits and contains a full opioid agonist. Vivitrol requires only monthly visits and contains no opioids. Methadone is often better for severe opioid addiction with multiple relapses, while Vivitrol works well after detox completion.
How Vivitrol Works for Alcohol Addiction
If you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder, Vivitrol offers a unique approach that reduces both the pleasure of drinking and the cravings that drive you to drink.
The Science Behind Vivitrol and Alcohol
When you drink alcohol, your brain releases endogenous opioids—your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that create the pleasurable, rewarding feelings associated with drinking. This reward reinforces drinking behavior and contributes to cravings.
Vivitrol blocks these opioid receptors, which means when you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, you don’t get the same pleasurable effects. Drinking becomes less rewarding, less appealing, and easier to resist. Over time, your brain learns that alcohol no longer provides the expected reward, and cravings naturally decrease.
What Research Shows About Vivitrol for Alcohol
Clinical studies consistently demonstrate that Vivitrol helps people with alcohol use disorder reduce heavy drinking days by 25-30%, increase the likelihood of abstinence, prevent relapse after periods of sobriety, and improve overall functioning and quality of life. The medication works best when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy, creating a comprehensive approach to recovery.
What to Expect When Using Vivitrol for Alcohol
Week 1-2: You might not notice dramatic changes immediately. Some people report slightly reduced interest in drinking, while others don’t notice effects until they actually drink and realize it’s less satisfying than expected.
Month 1-3: Cravings typically decrease as your brain learns that alcohol no longer provides the expected reward. You may find it easier to decline drinks in social situations or resist the urge to drink when stressed.
Month 3+: Many people report that alcohol simply stops occupying their thoughts as much. The constant mental battle—”Should I drink? Can I have just one?”—fades into the background, allowing you to focus on other aspects of life and recovery.
Important: Vivitrol doesn’t make you sick if you drink (like Antabuse does). It simply makes drinking less rewarding and reduces cravings. You can still become intoxicated if you drink large amounts, so it’s not a guarantee against relapse—it’s a tool that makes recovery easier.
How Vivitrol Works for Opioid Addiction
For opioid use disorder, Vivitrol takes a different approach than medications like Suboxone. Instead of replacing opioids with a safer alternative, Vivitrol completely blocks opioid receptors so other opioids can’t activate them.
The Blocking Mechanism
When you receive a Vivitrol injection, naltrexone saturates your opioid receptors for 30 days. If you use heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or other opioids during this time, they cannot bind to the receptors—which means you won’t feel the euphoric high. This removes the reinforcing effects of opioid use, making relapse less likely and less rewarding if it does occur.
Think of it as putting a lock on the door that opioids usually enter through. The opioids might knock, but they can’t get in.
Who Benefits Most from Vivitrol for Opioids
Vivitrol works best for people who have completed detox and are motivated to remain abstinent, individuals who prefer a non-opioid medication option, people in early recovery who want strong protection against relapse, those transitioning from inpatient treatment back to daily life, and individuals with strong support systems and access to therapy.
Critical requirement: You must be completely opioid-free for 7-14 days before receiving your first Vivitrol injection. Starting too soon causes severe precipitated withdrawal. This is why Vivitrol typically follows medical detox or a period of abstinence, rather than being the first step in treatment.
What Research Shows About Vivitrol for Opioids
Studies demonstrate that Vivitrol significantly reduces relapse to opioid use compared to placebo or counseling alone, helps people maintain abstinence after detox, reduces opioid cravings over time, and improves treatment retention when patients continue monthly injections. However, research also shows that getting people through the detox phase to start Vivitrol can be challenging, which is why comprehensive support is crucial.
The Vivitrol Treatment Process at Vigeo Wellness
Starting and maintaining Vivitrol treatment involves several important steps to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Schneider or one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners. We’ll discuss your substance use history, assess whether you’re ready for Vivitrol, evaluate co-occurring mental health conditions, coordinate detox support if you’re not yet opioid-free, and create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, psychiatric support, and monthly Vivitrol injections.
This initial appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes and helps us determine whether Vivitrol is the right choice for your situation or whether another approach might be more appropriate.
Preparing for Your First Injection
For alcohol use disorder: You can start Vivitrol immediately—no waiting period required.
For opioid use disorder: You must be completely free of all opioids for at least 7-14 days. This includes heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers, and even Suboxone. Starting Vivitrol too soon causes precipitated withdrawal—sudden, severe withdrawal symptoms that can be extremely uncomfortable.
To ensure you’re ready, we may perform a naloxone challenge test. This involves giving a small dose of naloxone (an opioid blocker) and monitoring for withdrawal symptoms. If you don’t experience withdrawal, it’s safe to proceed with your first Vivitrol injection. If you do experience withdrawal, we’ll wait longer before trying again.
If you’re not yet opioid-free, we can coordinate medical detox support to help you safely complete this requirement before starting Vivitrol.
Your First Vivitrol Injection
The injection itself is quick and straightforward. Vivitrol is administered as an intramuscular injection in your gluteal muscle (buttock). The injection takes just a minute or two, though the area may be sore for a few days afterward—similar to any intramuscular injection.
The medication is contained in microspheres that slowly release naltrexone over 30 days, maintaining consistent blood levels throughout the month. You don’t need to do anything after receiving the injection—it works continuously in the background while you focus on your recovery.
Monthly Follow-Up Appointments
Every 28-30 days, you’ll return to Vigeo Wellness for your next injection and a check-in with our psychiatric team. These appointments typically last 20-30 minutes and include assessment of your progress, discussion of any challenges or cravings, evaluation of your mental health, adjustment of any psychiatric medications if needed, and administration of your next Vivitrol injection.
Between injections, you’ll work with therapists, attend support groups, and continue building your recovery. Our psychiatric team remains available if you need support between scheduled appointments.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Care
At Vigeo Wellness, Vivitrol is never just an injection. We provide comprehensive psychiatric care that addresses the whole person. Most people with substance use disorders also struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions. Dr. Schneider treats all of these simultaneously because addressing only addiction while ignoring underlying mental health rarely leads to lasting recovery.
We offer psychiatric medication management for co-occurring conditions, coordination with therapy and counseling services, trauma-informed care approaches, innovative ketamine therapy if appropriate, and long-term support for maintaining recovery.
Benefits of Vivitrol Treatment
Vivitrol offers several unique advantages that make it an excellent choice for many people in recovery.
No daily medication to remember. One injection lasts a full month, eliminating the daily decision of whether to take medication. This is especially helpful for people who struggle with medication adherence or who find daily reminders of their addiction stressful.
Guaranteed compliance. Once the injection is administered, the medication works for 30 days regardless of your motivation level on any given day. This provides consistent protection even during difficult moments when you might otherwise skip medication.
No abuse potential. Vivitrol cannot be diverted, sold, or misused. There’s no medication in your home that could be taken by others or misused during a moment of weakness.
Non-opioid option. For people who prefer to avoid any opioid medication (even partial agonists like buprenorphine), Vivitrol offers effective treatment without introducing any opioid into your system.
Dual effectiveness. The same medication treats both alcohol and opioid use disorders, making it ideal for people struggling with multiple substances.
Overdose protection. Because Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors, it provides some protection against opioid overdose. However, this is not absolute protection—people can still overdose by using extremely high doses of opioids that overwhelm the blockade, so continued vigilance is essential.
Common Questions About Vivitrol
How long will I need Vivitrol treatment?
Most people benefit from at least 6-12 months of Vivitrol treatment. Many continue longer, and some maintain on Vivitrol for years. The duration depends on your individual recovery progress, stability, and preferences. There’s no predetermined timeline—treatment continues as long as it’s beneficial.
What happens if I miss a monthly injection?
If you miss your scheduled injection, the medication begins wearing off and you lose the protective effects within a few days. It’s crucial to maintain your monthly appointments. If you do miss one, contact us immediately so we can reschedule and discuss how to protect your recovery during the gap.
Can I take pain medication if I’m injured?
Vivitrol blocks opioid pain medications, which means they won’t work effectively. If you need surgery or have an injury requiring pain management, inform your doctors that you’re on Vivitrol. They can use non-opioid pain medications or, in emergencies, higher doses of opioids can be administered under close medical supervision. Always carry a Vivitrol patient identification card.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effect is injection site reactions including pain, swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site that typically resolves within a few days. Some people experience nausea (usually mild and temporary), headache, fatigue, or muscle aches. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe injection site reactions or liver problems (we’ll monitor your liver function).
How much does Vivitrol cost?
Vivitrol can be expensive without insurance, with retail costs around $1,100-1,200 per injection. However, most insurance plans cover Vivitrol as required by mental health parity laws. The manufacturer also offers a copay assistance program that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 per injection. We’ll work with you to navigate insurance coverage and financial assistance programs.
What if I relapse while on Vivitrol?
If you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, you may not experience the same pleasurable effects, but you can still become intoxicated and experience harmful effects. If you use opioids while on Vivitrol, you likely won’t feel the expected high, which might lead to using dangerous amounts trying to “break through” the blockade—this can cause overdose. Be honest with your provider about any use so we can adjust your treatment plan. Relapse doesn’t mean failure—it’s an opportunity to strengthen your recovery approach.
Can I stop Vivitrol suddenly?
Yes, you can stop Vivitrol at any time by simply not getting your next injection. There’s no physical dependence or withdrawal from stopping naltrexone. However, stopping treatment significantly increases relapse risk. Always discuss plans to discontinue Vivitrol with your provider so we can adjust your treatment plan and provide additional support.
Vivitrol vs. Suboxone: Which Is Right for You?
Both Vivitrol and Suboxone are FDA-approved, evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder. The choice between them depends on your individual situation, preferences, and where you are in your recovery journey.
Consider Vivitrol if you have completed detox and are opioid-free for 7-14 days, strongly prefer a non-opioid medication, want monthly injections instead of daily medication, have good support systems to help you through the detox phase, are transitioning from inpatient treatment, or are concerned about having medication in your home.
Consider Suboxone if you are currently using opioids and need immediate stabilization, cannot safely complete detox before starting treatment, have tried Vivitrol but had difficulty maintaining abstinence during the opioid-free period, prefer daily medication you can control, need more flexible dosing, or have severe opioid use disorder with multiple relapses.
There’s no “better” option—only what’s better for your unique situation. Some people start with Suboxone to stabilize, then transition to Vivitrol once they’re ready. Others begin with Vivitrol after completing inpatient treatment. Dr. Schneider will help you determine which approach gives you the best chance at lasting recovery.
Why Choose Vigeo Wellness for Vivitrol Treatment
At Vigeo Wellness, Vivitrol treatment is part of a comprehensive psychiatric approach to addiction recovery, not just monthly shots.
Board-certified psychiatric expertise means Dr. Paul Schneider brings almost 15 years of addiction medicine experience to your care. You’re not just getting injections—you’re receiving expert psychiatric treatment that addresses all aspects of your mental health and recovery.
Treatment of co-occurring conditions is central to our approach. We treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions that often accompany addiction. Treating only the addiction while ignoring underlying mental health rarely leads to lasting recovery.
Additional treatment options include innovative ketamine therapy that can complement Vivitrol for people who need additional support for depression, anxiety, or cravings. We also provide coordination with therapy and counseling services, ensuring you have comprehensive support.
Convenient care at two locations with flexible scheduling makes it easier to maintain your monthly appointments. We offer Fort Worth and Weatherford locations, weekday appointments from 9 AM to 5 PM, and coordination with your work schedule to minimize disruption.
A healing environment sets us apart from typical medical clinics. Our spa-like setting provides private, comfortable treatment rooms, a judgment-free atmosphere, compassionate staff who understand recovery, and dignity and respect in every interaction.
Take Your First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re considering Vivitrol treatment, you’re already moving in the right direction. Whether you’re fresh out of detox, transitioning from inpatient treatment, or looking for a non-opioid alternative to manage your recovery, Vivitrol might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Here’s how to get started:
Call us at Fort Worth: 817-634-5521 or Weatherford: 817-672-9407. Our caring team will answer your questions, verify insurance coverage, and schedule your comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Schneider or one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners.
During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your situation, determine if you’re ready for Vivitrol, coordinate any necessary detox support, and create a comprehensive treatment plan that sets you up for success.
If Vivitrol is right for you, we’ll schedule your first injection and provide all the support you need to begin building lasting recovery. If Vivitrol isn’t the best option, we’ll discuss alternatives like Suboxone or other evidence-based approaches that might work better for your situation.
You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help.
📞 Fort Worth: 817-634-5521 | Weatherford: 817-672-9407
📍 Fort Worth: 906 W Cannon St, Suite 100, Fort Worth, TX 76104
📍 Weatherford: 1800 Lone Oak Rd, Suite 10, Weatherford, TX 76086
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Call today to schedule your confidential consultation.
Additional Resources
National Support (24/7): SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Local Fort Worth Support: Alcoholics Anonymous Fort Worth: (817) 332-2761, Narcotics Anonymous Fort Worth: (817) 654-5683
Related Articles from Vigeo Wellness
Addiction Treatment Options at Vigeo Wellness: Your Complete Guide – Comprehensive overview of all addiction treatments available at our locations.
Suboxone Treatment in Fort Worth & Weatherford – Learn about daily medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.
Ketamine Therapy for Addiction – Discover how innovative ketamine treatment can enhance your recovery.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Schneider, DO | Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dr. Schneider is a board-certified psychiatrist who has practiced in the DFW area for almost 15 years. His subspecialties of interest include emergency psychiatry, addiction medicine, and the treatment of suicidality. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and completed his psychiatric training at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.
About Vigeo Wellness
Vigeo Wellness is a leading provider of integrative mental health care in Fort Worth and Weatherford, Texas. Founded by Megan Holland, DNP, CRNA in 2022, Vigeo Wellness specializes in evidence-based and innovative treatments for mood disorders, substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
Our comprehensive approach combines FDA-approved medications like Vivitrol and Suboxone, innovative ketamine-assisted therapy, and expert psychiatric care for co-occurring conditions—all delivered in a spa-like, judgment-free environment where healing can happen.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Naltrexone. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone
- Lee, J.D., et al. (2018). Comparative effectiveness of extended-release naltrexone versus buprenorphine-naloxone for opioid relapse prevention. The Lancet, 391(10118), 309-318.
- Anton, R.F., et al. (2006). Combined pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions for alcohol dependence: the COMBINE study. JAMA, 295(17), 2003-2017.
- Jarvis, B.P., et al. (2018). Extended-release injectable naltrexone for opioid use disorder: a systematic review. Addiction, 113(7), 1188-1209.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding substance use disorders or Vivitrol treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.