Short Answer: If you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, it will not make you feel more sick, but it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and interfere with your recovery goals.
Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, which is a medication used to treat two substance use disorders – opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder (alcoholism).
Vivitrol is used as part of a treatment program.
It helps prevent people with alcohol or opioid dependence from feeling like they need to use these substances.
Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, which works by blocking mu opioid receptors.
It also suppresses the amount of alcohol you feel like drinking by changing how your hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal gland work together.
Vivitrol blocks the intoxication and euphoria or ‘high’ that alcohol and opioids cause.
It also blocks the pain relief that opioids provide.
Vivitrol is an extended-release suspension that is injected into your gluteal muscle.
Once injected, it slowly releases naltrexone (the active ingredient) for about a month.
Vivitrol was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006.
If you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, it will not make you feel more sick.
You should feel the same amount of sickness that you would normally have, drinking the same amount of alcohol.
However, drinking alcohol while on Vivitrol may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and interfere with your recovery goals.
This is because Vivitrol works by blocking the rewarding effects of alcohol, which can help you reduce or stop your alcohol consumption.
If you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, you may not experience the benefits of the medication and may be more likely to relapse or drink more to overcome the blockade.
Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, can have some positive effects on your health and well-being.
Naltrexone can lower your risk of liver damage, infections, overdose, and death from alcohol or opioid use.
Naltrexone can also improve your mood, sleep, energy, and cognitive function.
Naltrexone can help you regain control over your life and achieve your recovery goals.
It is quite uncommon to drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, as most people who receive this medication are motivated to abstain from alcohol and other substances.
However, some people may drink alcohol while on Vivitrol due to various reasons, such as stress, cravings, social pressure, or curiosity.
Some people may also drink alcohol while on Vivitrol without knowing that they are taking the medication, as it is administered by a health care provider once a month.
If you drink alcohol while on Vivitrol, you should contact your doctor or counselor as soon as possible.
They can help you assess the situation and provide you with support and guidance.
You should also monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any severe or unusual reactions, such as chest pain, breathing problems, or allergic reactions.
You should not stop taking Vivitrol without consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of relapse or overdose.
To avoid drinking alcohol while on Vivitrol, you should follow your treatment plan and attend regular counseling sessions.
You should also avoid situations or triggers that may tempt you to drink, such as bars, parties, or people who drink.
You should also find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
You should also seek support from your family, friends, or recovery groups, who can encourage you and hold you accountable.
Finally, remember, Vivitrol is a medication that can help you overcome your alcohol or opioid dependence, but it is not a cure.
You still need to work on your recovery and make positive changes in your life.
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Vivitrol can only work if you are willing and ready to quit drinking or using drugs.
Vivitrol can help you achieve your goals, but you are the one who has to make them happen.
