How Long Do I Need To Be Sober Before Getting The Vivitrol Shot?

Before receiving a Vivitrol shot, people must be completely detoxed from all opioids, including street drugs like heroin and prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. This waiting period is crucial because Vivitrol can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if opioids are still in your system.

Vivitrol is an extended-release, injectable form of naltrexone that’s given once a month to help treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. However, this medication isn’t safe for everyone. People who are currently dependent on alcohol, taking prescription opioids for pain management, or have used short-acting opioids within the past week should not receive Vivitrol. Those who have taken long-acting opioids must wait at least two weeks before getting the injection to avoid complications.

Find out more about using Vivitrol during medication-assisted treatment

What Happens If You Take Vivitrol With Alcohol In Your System?

Drinking alcohol while on Vivitrol is not recommended. People who are receiving Vivitrol for alcohol or opioid use disorder should abstain from alcohol prior to initiating Vivitrol treatment.

What to know about Vivitrol and alcohol use:

• Vivitrol is indicated as a treatment for alcohol dependence for people who are able to abstain from alcohol in an outpatient setting.
• Vivitrol will prevent the euphoric effects of alcohol, eliminating the “buzz” one might typically experience from a drink.
• Unlike disulfiram (Antabuse), Vivitrol will not cause you to become physically sick if you drink alcohol.
• Vivitrol does not prevent physical or cognitive impairment from alcohol.

Vivitrol should not be taken by people with a history of alcohol dependence who are actively drinking. Alcohol detoxification should occur prior to taking Vivitrol.

What Happens If You Take Vivitrol With Opiates In Your System?

Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist that can cause a rapid onset of severe opioid withdrawal symptoms in people who receive a Vivitrol shot with opioids present in their system.

Potential effects of this include:

• excessive vomiting
• severe diarrhea
• full-body pain
• altered sense of reality
• agitation
• rapid heartbeat

To avoid precipitated withdrawal from Vivitrol, people with opioid use disorder should undergo full detoxification and be opioid-free before getting a Vivitrol shot.

An individual should wait at least seven days after their last use of a short-acting opioid, or at least 10 to 14 days after their last use of a long-acting opioid, before getting Vivitrol.

Common Addiction Treatment Services For Opioid Use Disorder

treatment for opioid use disorder involves multiple services designed to help people achieve and maintain recovery. These evidence-based approaches address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Treatment services typically include:

• medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone
• inpatient rehabilitation programs with 24/7 medical supervision
• outpatient counseling and therapy sessions
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change harmful thought patterns
• group therapy for peer support and shared experiences
  Individual counseling to address personal issues related to addiction
• family therapy to rebuild relationships and improve support systems
• relapse prevention education and coping skills training
• aftercare planning and ongoing support services

Recovery from opioid addiction is possible with the right combination of treatment services. If you or someone you know needs help, browse our directory of treatment centers or contact SAMHSA for information about addiction recovery resources in your area.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff