What Is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, an FDA-approved injectable medication used to treat alcohol use disorder. Unlike daily oral medications, Vivitrol is administered as a single intramuscular injection once per month at your provider's office. This eliminates the need for daily pill compliance and provides a steady, consistent level of medication throughout the treatment period.

At Restoration Recovery, Vivitrol is prescribed specifically for patients with alcohol use disorder as part of a comprehensive outpatient treatment plan. The injection is given by a licensed provider during a brief clinic visit, and each dose provides approximately four weeks of continuous medication coverage.

How Vivitrol Works for Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, is an opioid receptor antagonist. While this may sound counterintuitive for alcohol treatment, the science behind it is well established. When a person drinks alcohol, the brain releases endorphins that bind to opioid receptors, producing feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, this reinforcement cycle drives compulsive drinking behavior.

Vivitrol works by blocking the opioid receptors involved in this alcohol reward pathway. With these receptors blocked, drinking no longer produces the same pleasurable reinforcement. Patients on Vivitrol frequently report that their cravings diminish significantly and that alcohol simply becomes less appealing. This pharmacological support creates a window of clarity that allows patients to focus on the behavioral and emotional work of recovery.

Who Is a Candidate for Vivitrol?

Vivitrol may be appropriate for patients who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking medication support for their recovery
  • Patients who are ready to pause drinking around the start of treatment and continue with counseling support
  • Individuals who prefer a once-monthly injection over daily oral medication
  • Patients who have difficulty with daily medication adherence
  • People looking for a non-addictive medication with no abuse potential

Your provider at Restoration Recovery will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether Vivitrol is the right fit for your situation. Not every patient with alcohol use disorder requires medication, and not every patient who does will be best served by Vivitrol. The goal is always an individualized treatment plan that reflects your clinical needs and personal goals.

How Treatment Works at Restoration Recovery

Vivitrol treatment at Restoration Recovery follows a structured process designed to set patients up for long-term success:

  • Initial evaluation. Your first visit includes a comprehensive clinical assessment covering your medical history, drinking history, current health, and treatment goals. Your provider will determine whether Vivitrol is clinically appropriate and explain what to expect.
  • Pre-treatment preparation. Patients should not be actively drinking when they receive their first Vivitrol injection. Your care team will work with you to plan a timeline that fits your situation.
  • Monthly injection. The Vivitrol injection is administered in the clinic by a licensed provider. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed during a standard office visit.
  • Ongoing counseling. Medication alone is not a complete treatment plan. Vivitrol is paired with individual counseling, peer support, and structured follow-up to address the behavioral, emotional, and situational factors that contribute to alcohol use disorder.
  • Regular monitoring. Your provider will check in with you at each monthly visit to assess progress, manage any side effects, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Benefits of Vivitrol for Alcohol Addiction

Vivitrol offers several distinct advantages for patients managing alcohol use disorder:

  • Reduces alcohol cravings. By blocking the reward signals associated with drinking, Vivitrol helps patients experience fewer and less intense cravings over time.
  • Non-addictive. Vivitrol has no abuse potential and does not produce dependence. It can be discontinued at any time without withdrawal effects.
  • Once-monthly convenience. A single injection each month replaces the need for daily medication, which improves adherence and reduces the daily mental burden of treatment.
  • Clinically administered. Because the injection is given in the office, there are no pills to manage, misplace, or forget at home.
  • Supports long-term recovery. When combined with counseling and structured support, Vivitrol helps patients sustain the behavioral changes that lead to lasting sobriety.

What to Expect Before Starting

Before your first Vivitrol injection, your provider will ask you to pause drinking so the medication can be started safely. Your care team will work with you on a plan that fits your situation and will discuss what to expect at each step.

Common side effects of Vivitrol may include nausea, headache, fatigue, or soreness at the injection site. Most side effects are mild and temporary. Your provider will review the full safety profile with you during your evaluation and will monitor for any concerns at each follow-up visit.

It is important to understand that Vivitrol is one component of a broader treatment approach. The medication is most effective when combined with regular counseling, peer support, and a commitment to recovery-oriented lifestyle changes. Your treatment team at Restoration Recovery will help you build a plan that addresses all of these elements together.

Insurance and Payment

Restoration Recovery accepts most major insurance plans for Vivitrol treatment, including TennCare, Medicaid, and a wide range of commercial insurance plans. Our patient services team can verify your coverage before your first visit and explain any out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises. If you have questions about insurance or payment options, visit our insurance page or call us directly.

Four Convenient Locations

Vivitrol injections are available at all four of our outpatient clinic locations:

  • Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Cleveland, Tennessee
  • Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee
  • Ringgold, Georgia

Each location is staffed by licensed providers experienced in alcohol use disorder treatment and medication-assisted care. Same-week appointments are frequently available.

Vivitrol vs. Other Medications

Vivitrol is one of several evidence-based medications used in addiction treatment, and each serves a different clinical purpose. At Restoration Recovery, Vivitrol is used specifically for alcohol use disorder. Patients with opioid use disorder are treated with different medications, such as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), which is designed for that condition. Your provider will recommend the medication that best fits your diagnosis and recovery goals.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use disorder, we encourage you to reach out. Recovery is possible, and the right combination of medical support and clinical care can make a meaningful difference. Contact Restoration Recovery today to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about how Vivitrol can support your path to sobriety.

For a full list of conditions we treat and treatment approaches we offer, visit our services page.