Vivitrol is one of several FDA-approved medications used to support addiction recovery, but it works differently from many other options. Instead of activating opioid and alcohol receptors, it blocks them entirely.
For people exploring recovery after detox, understanding what Vivitrol is and how it works can help determine whether it’s the right fit. Unlike some forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), Vivitrol does not contain opioids and does not carry a risk of dependence. This guide explains how the Vivitrol shot works, who it’s for, and what treatment looks like at Painted Grove Recovery in Louisville, Kentucky.
So, what is Vivitrol? Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, a medication given as a once-monthly injection. It is FDA-approved to treat both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. The Vivitrol injection works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for the “reward” feeling people experience when using substances like opioids or alcohol.
As a result, opioids no longer produce a high, alcohol becomes less rewarding, and cravings are reduced over time. This makes Vivitrol a powerful option for people committed to maintaining sobriety.
Vivitrol is classified as an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors without activating them.
It reduces cravings and makes using opioids less rewarding by reducing the “reward” response in the brain associated with substance use. Unlike Suboxone or Subutex, Vivitrol contains no opioids and carries no risk of dependence. This makes it a strong option for individuals who want a non-addictive approach to recovery.
Vivitrol is commonly used after detox for opioid addiction. Before starting Vivitrol treatment, a person must be fully detoxed and opioid-free for 7 to 10 days before starting Vivitrol. This is important because taking Vivitrol too soon can trigger withdrawal symptoms. Once Vivitrol is started, it blocks the effects of opioids, so if someone uses opioids, they will not feel the usual high. This makes it especially effective for people committed to abstinence and looking to prevent relapse after detox.
Vivitrol for alcohol use disorder works differently than it does for opioids, but it is equally effective.
It reduces cravings and disrupts the reward center in the brain, making drinking alcohol less pleasurable or rewarding. For alcohol addiction, detox is not always required before starting Vivitrol. As part of MAT for alcohol, Vivitrol is typically combined with therapy and support groups to improve long-term recovery and reduce relapse risk.
A common question in recovery is how Vivitrol compares to Suboxone. Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist (blocks receptors) while Suboxone is a partial agonist (activates receptors slightly). Vivitrol requires a full detox from opioids before starting and is given by monthly injection and carries no risk of opioid dependence. Suboxone can be started during early withdrawal and is taken as a daily medication and carries a low risk of dependence. Determining which medication is the right choice depends on your medical history and stage of recovery.
Like any medication, side effects are possible, though most are mild. Common Vivitrol side effects include:
Symptoms often improve after the first injection as the body adjusts. A medical team monitors for side effects and can adjust your treatment plan if needed to ensure comfort and safety.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications, like Vivitrol, with therapy and behavioral support. This approach reduces cravings and relapse risk, addresses both physical and psychological aspects of addiction, and supports long-term recovery. MAT is widely recommended by organizations like SAMHSA and the American Medical Association as one of the most effective treatments for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
While it is physically possible to drink on Vivitrol, the medication reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making drinking less appealing and helping support sobriety.
Each Vivitrol shot lasts about 28 to 30 days. Most people receive the injection once a month as part of their treatment plan.
No. Vivitrol contains no opioids and does not activate opioid receptors, so there is no risk of dependence or misuse.
The length of treatment varies. Some people stay on Vivitrol for several months, while others continue for a year or longer, depending on their recovery progress.
Most major insurance plans and Medicaid cover Vivitrol treatment. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain costs before treatment begins.
At Painted Grove Recovery, Vivitrol treatment is offered as part of a comprehensive treatment program in Louisville, Kentucky. As part of our programs, clients receive:
The clinical team takes an individualized approach, ensuring each person receives care tailored to their needs and recovery goals. If you have questions about cost or coverage, you can explore your options for paying for treatment.
If you’re considering Vivitrol, reaching out for an assessment can help you decide if it’s the right next step. Reach out to our admissions team today.
Courtney Hibbs is a behavioral health executive with over five years of experience in substance use and mental health treatment. As Chief Executive Officer, she brings a hands-on, people-centered leadership style focused on building strong teams, maintaining regulatory standards, and supporting accessible, high-quality care.
Her background includes executive and operational leadership within licensed treatment environments, with experience in program development, staffing, compliance, and organizational growth. Courtney has helped strengthen referral relationships, improve census and retention, and support service expansion through practical, engaged leadership.
Known for her ability to develop teams and lead through change, Courtney has rebuilt departments, implemented training programs, and mentored emerging leaders across multiple locations. She balances clear expectations with compassion, supporting both staff and the individuals they serve.
Courtney is deeply committed to ethical care and client advocacy. She believes well-run programs create the foundation for meaningful recovery and works closely with clinical, medical, and administrative teams to support safe, structured treatment experiences.
