Vivitrol, which was approved in 2006 by the FDA to treat alcoholism, is showing major promise when combined with other forms of therapy. If someone you love is suffering from alcohol or opioid addiction, the combo of Vivitrol and effective therapy may be helpful.
Vivitrol and Therapy
Vivitrol, which is taken by a monthly injection, helps reduce cravings and can be helpful to individuals who suffer from multiple relapses. Because Vivitrol is only injected once a month, it requires less willpower than taking pills daily. Struggling addicts do not have to worry about medication schedules so they can focus more on recovery. As medical director Dr. Ravi Chandiramani explained in an article about the new treatments, “chemical dependency is viewed as a chronic relapsing and remitting disease process and treatment requires a comprehensive and structured approach with individuals requiring professionals that have specialized skill sets as well.” It can’t be stressed enough that medicinal treatments, such as Vivitrol, are not meant to replace rehabilitation therapy, but rather to work in conjunction to improve the rate of success.
New Treatments on the Horizon
As of now, Acamprosate calcium, Disulfiram and Naltrexone Hydrochloride are all generic drugs approved by the FDA for treating alcoholism, and more medications, such as Baclofen, may be entering the market sometime in the future. “There is a lot of exciting research and activity going on right now,” Chandiramani stated. “No single intervention method works for everybody. Alcoholism is not a simple disease so we need to have a combination of treatment for patients.” If your loved one is suffering from alcoholism, combining the right therapies with an effective anti-craving medication like Vivitrol may help them navigate their path to recovery. Contact our alcohol rehab center for more information on this promising rehabilitation therapy and other forms of treatment that have shown success. (Photo via)
