Vivitrol Treatment Programs in Worcester, Massachusetts

Finding the best recovery solution can be overwhelming if you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can play a critical role in supporting long-term recovery, especially during the early stages when withdrawal symptoms and cravings can feel unmanageable. If you are searching for a Vivitrol treatment program in Worcester, MA, Washburn House offers expert care to guide you through your recovery journey.

What Is Vivitrol (Naltrexone) and How Does It Work?

Vivitrol is an FDA-approved medication used as part of MAT for opioid use and alcohol use disorders. Its active ingredient is naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. By binding to these receptors, Vivitrol prevents the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, and reduces the pleasurable effects and cravings associated with alcohol use.

By reducing cravings and blocking the effects of these substances, Vivitrol helps patients prevent relapse and remain focused on recovery goals. This injectable form of naltrexone is typically administered once a month and is offered in treatment centers under the supervision of healthcare providers.

Learn more about naltrexone from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Who Should Consider Vivitrol in Addiction Treatment?

Vivitrol can be an appropriate medication for individuals with:

• Opioid dependence who have already completed detox and are no longer physically dependent on opioids
• Opioid addiction who want to prevent relapse with ongoing support
• Alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction who wish to stop drinking and avoid relapse

If you have opioid or alcohol use disorder and have trouble reducing cravings, medication-assisted treatment that includes Vivitrol may be an important piece of your care plan.

Washburn House provides Vivitrol treatment in Worcester, MA, for individuals who have completed a detox program and are ready to start treatment focused on recovery and relapse prevention.

How Is Vivitrol Administered?

Vivitrol is an injectable form of naltrexone given intramuscularly by a licensed healthcare provider. Typically, Vivitrol injections are administered once every four weeks at a treatment clinic.

Starting Vivitrol

Before starting Vivitrol, patients undergo a thorough evaluation by their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe, appropriate, and effective for their needs. This assessment includes medical history review, physical exam, and sometimes urine drug screening to confirm all opioids are out of the system, which helps avoid sudden opioid withdrawal.

You must complete a naloxone challenge test or be opioid-free for a minimum of 7–14 days before starting Vivitrol to avoid sudden opioid withdrawal. If Vivitrol is started too soon after the last use of opioids, it can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms.

After your first Vivitrol dose, you’ll stay at the treatment center longer so your provider can monitor and ensure you’re responding well to the medication.

What Type of Substance Use Can Vivitrol Treat?

Vivitrol is FDA-approved to treat opioid addiction and alcohol use disorders.

• Opioid use disorder: Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors, lowering the risk of opioid relapse and accidental opioid overdose after detox.
• Alcohol use disorder: Vivitrol helps reduce cravings and the urge to drink, supporting those seeking to stop drinking and treat alcohol dependence.

Vivitrol is not a cure but is part of a comprehensive MAT program, which also includes behavioral therapies and counseling. This integrated approach addresses both the biological and psychological factors of substance use disorders.

What to Expect During Vivitrol Treatment at Washburn House

Washburn House offers a structured, supportive environment designed to facilitate every step of the recovery path, from initial assessment through aftercare planning. Here’s what to expect:

Medication-Assisted Treatment Plans

Each patient receives a personalized medication assisted treatment plan that may include:

• Vivitrol injections, administered monthly by expert providers
• Medical monitoring for safety and effectiveness as you start Vivitrol
• Counseling, including individual, group, and family therapy
• Access to behavioral therapies for relapse prevention and sustained recovery
• Support for co-occurring mental health conditions, if needed

Supportive Care and Counseling

Therapy plays a vital part in our Vivitrol program. Behavioral therapies help patients understand triggers, cravings, and the emotional roots of addiction. Our friendly staff is dedicated to creating a safe, judgment-free space where people are empowered to achieve their goals.

Monitoring and Communication with Providers

Consistent communication with healthcare providers ensures that any potential side effects, such as injection site reactions or allergic reactions, are addressed promptly. Providers also monitor for more serious side effects.

Safety, Serious Side Effects, and Precautions

Vivitrol is considered safe and effective when administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a supervised setting. However, some patients may experience:

• Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling)
• Serious allergic reactions
• Cold symptoms, headache, or mild stomach discomfort

Severe reactions may include intense pain, tissue death at the injection site, or symptoms of liver issues (dark urine, jaundice, stomach area pain lasting more than a few days, or right upper quadrant pain). Contact your provider if you notice serious side effects.

Vivitrol passes out of your body slowly, but always discuss pregnancy with your healthcare provider due to potential effects on an unborn baby.

To reduce risk, Vivitrol or any other medication for opioid addiction should never be started before all opioids are out of the body. Use of Vivitrol while opioids are still present can cause sudden opioid withdrawal and opioid withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe. Washburn House’s providers are highly trained to guide you through safe detox and help you avoid sudden opioid withdrawal.

Insurance Coverage for Vivitrol Injections

Washburn House accepts Medicaid and works with in-network commercial insurance providers to make evidence-based addiction treatment more accessible. Call our admissions team for personalized support.

Aftercare and Long-Term Relapse Prevention

The end of a detox program is just the beginning of recovery. Washburn House’s aftercare planning is designed so that every patient leaving our Worcester MAT clinic has the resources, skills, and support network needed to prevent relapse, stay engaged, and keep building a healthy, substance-free life.

Begin Your Recovery Journey at Washburn House

Addiction is a complex disease, but with proven tools like Vivitrol and the compassionate support of caring professionals, lasting recovery is possible. Our Vivitrol programs focus on individual needs, safety, and evidence-based care. To learn more about starting Vivitrol and our comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs in Worcester, MA, speak with our friendly staff today. We are here to help you take the first step towards recovery.