Olympia Grove Recovery knows that beginning treatment can feel like a big step. Whether this is your first time seeking support or you’ve tried other paths before, we’re here to meet you where you are and guide you toward lasting growth. We offer Vivitrol treatment, a once-monthly, FDA-approved medication designed to reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids or alcohol.
For many people, Vivitrol provides a sense of stability, helping them stay engaged in therapy, rebuild relationships, and focus on building a healthier future. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, blending medical expertise with heartfelt support to make recovery not just possible, but achievable and lasting.
A proven treatment for a more stable tomorrow
What is Vivitrol? Overview of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Vivitrol is an extended-release form of naltrexone that is given by injection every 28 to 30 days.1 Unlike daily medications, it doesn’t require you to remember a pill each morning, and it’s completely non-addictive. It’s an excellent fit for people seeking an abstinence-based approach to recovery from opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
How Vivitrol works for opioid and alcohol dependence
Vivitrol binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids and alcohol target—but without producing a “high.” Blocking these effects helps reduce cravings and makes relapse less likely, even in challenging situations. This allows you to focus more fully on therapy, life skills, and emotional healing.
FDA approval and medical expertise behind Vivitrol
Approved by the FDA in 2006 for alcohol dependence and in 2010 for opioid dependence, Vivitrol has been extensively studied and shown to be safe when used under medical supervision.2 Before starting treatment, you must be opioid-free for seven to 10 days to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Our medical team carefully guides you through this process for a safe and comfortable start.
Benefits of Vivitrol in addiction recovery
Vivitrol provides a range of powerful benefits to support long-term recovery:
- Non-addictive: Free from opioids or habit-forming ingredients
- Convenient: Requires just one monthly injection—no need for daily pills
- Dual-purpose: Proven effective for treating both alcohol and opioid dependence
- Relapse prevention: Blocks the euphoric effects of substances, reducing temptation
- Clinically monitored: Administered in a professional setting for enhanced safety and consistency
For individuals in recovery, Vivitrol provides a sense of freedom and stability. With no need to remember a daily dose, it allows you to focus your energy on counseling, making meaningful lifestyle changes, and working toward long-term goals.
Vivitrol success rates and effectiveness
Long-acting injectable medication advantages
A monthly injection means fewer opportunities to miss doses, less risk of medication misuse, and more freedom to focus on rebuilding your life.
Relapse prevention with Vivitrol
Vivitrol can act as a powerful safeguard during vulnerable moments. Combined with relapse prevention planning, it gives you the tools and confidence to navigate triggers without returning to use.
Stay steady in recovery with once-monthly Vivitrol
Comparing Vivitrol to other treatments
Vivitrol is different from other medication-assisted treatment options like Suboxone because it does not contain any opioids and carries no risk of dependence. While Suboxone is taken daily and works by partially activating opioid receptors, Vivitrol is a monthly injection that blocks these receptors entirely. This makes it an ideal choice for people who want an abstinence-focused approach without the need for daily dosing.
Vivitrol vs. Suboxone: Key differences
Vivitrol and Suboxone are both FDA-approved medications used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence, but they work in very different ways.
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) is an opioid antagonist that completely blocks opioid receptors. It prevents any euphoric effects if opioids are used and is non-addictive. Vivitrol is administered as a monthly injection.
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a partial opioid agonist, which activates opioid receptors to a lesser degree. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms but can carry a mild risk of misuse if not taken as prescribed. Suboxone is typically taken daily as a film or tablet.
Both medications are effective and safe when used under medical supervision. The best option depends on your individual goals, health history, and recovery journey.
When to choose Vivitrol over other MAT options
Vivitrol may be the right fit for you if:
- You’ve already completed detox and are opioid-free for seven to 10 days.
- You want a non-addictive, abstinence-based approach to recovery.
- You prefer a monthly injection instead of daily medication.
- You’ve tried Suboxone or methadone in the past and are looking for a different option.
- You are in recovery from alcohol dependence, as Vivitrol is approved for both opioids and alcohol.
Choosing a MAT option is a personal decision. At Olympia Grove Recovery, we walk you through each option—Vivitrol, Suboxone, or others—and help you choose what’s best for your body, your goals, and your long-term success.
Vivitrol treatment process and administration
Vivitrol injection: What to expect
- Assessment: We evaluate your medical history, detox status, and recovery goals.
- Detox: If detox is needed, we help you safely withdraw from opioids or alcohol in a medically monitored setting.
- First injection: Given in a comfortable, private clinic setting by a licensed clinician.
- Follow-up care: Includes therapy sessions, medical check-ins, and relapse prevention planning.
Vivitrol side effects and safety information
Most side effects are mild, such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Soreness at the injection site
Our team will thoroughly discuss possible reactions you might experience, closely monitor your progress over time, and make any necessary adjustments to provide the best possible outcome for your needs.
Accessing Vivitrol treatment
Finding Vivitrol providers near you
Olympia Grove Recovery is a certified provider offering assessment, detox, and ongoing care. We integrate Vivitrol into your personalized treatment plan so you get both medical and emotional support. We are located in Euclid, Ohio, and serve the greater Cleveland area.
Vivitrol cost and insurance coverage
We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans, and our admissions team will help verify your coverage so cost is never a barrier to care. The cost of Vivitrol will vary depending on your insurance coverage and any discounts or financial assistance that may apply. Our team at Olympia Grove Recovery can help you navigate the process and find the most affordable options.
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Supporting addiction recovery beyond medication
Counseling and therapy for addiction
Olympia Grove Recovery offers a whole-person approach to addiction treatment by combining Vivitrol with evidence-based therapies to address the root causes of addiction and promote lasting recovery. Our programs include:
- Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with experienced therapists to explore personal challenges and develop tailored strategies for healing.
- Group therapy: A supportive environment where participants connect with others facing similar struggles, fostering shared understanding and growth.
- Family therapy: Helping families rebuild trust, improve communication, and heal together as a unit.
- Co-occurring disorders treatment: Integrated care for individuals managing both addiction and mental health conditions, ensuring a holistic path to recovery.
Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space for recovery while equipping you with the tools needed to thrive beyond treatment.
Outpatient addiction treatment programs
Outpatient services offer ongoing structure and accountability to support your recovery after residential care. These programs help you stay connected to your recovery community while maintaining the flexibility to manage everyday responsibilities. Whether you’re balancing work, school, or family commitments, outpatient programs provide the tools and guidance needed to sustain progress, including therapy sessions, personalized treatment plans, and access to recovery resources.
Support groups and community resources
We help clients build a strong foundation for long-term recovery by connecting them with peer support groups, recovery-friendly housing options, vocational training opportunities, and other essential community-based resources. These connections provide more than just practical support—they also create a network of encouragement and accountability. Staying actively engaged with your recovery community helps reinforce healthy habits, offers guidance during challenging times, and provides a vital safety net to help you thrive in sobriety.
Olympia Grove Recovery can get you the help you need today
Every day you wait is another day spent fighting the same battle, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Vivitrol can help you break that cycle by reducing cravings and giving you the stability to focus on what truly matters—reclaiming your life and building a healthier future.
Our compassionate team provides personalized care and guidance to help you confidently navigate your recovery. From guiding you through detox to administering your first injection and providing ongoing care, you’re never alone on this journey. Contact Olympia Grove Recovery today, and let’s take that first step toward recovery together. You deserve a fresh start.
Frequently asked questions about Vivitrol treatment
Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, FDA-approved to treat opioid and alcohol dependence by blocking the effects of these substances in the brain.
It binds to opioid receptors without activating them, which reduces cravings and prevents the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids.
Yes, when used as prescribed under medical supervision. You must be opioid-free for seven to 10 days before your first injection to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Our medical team will guide you through this process for your safety.
Common side effects include headache, nausea, fatigue, and soreness at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare and will be closely monitored by our medical staff.
Treatment length varies depending on your goals and progress. Many people continue Vivitrol for six to 12 months or longer to support lasting recovery.
No. You must fully detox from alcohol or opioids before your first injection to prevent severe withdrawal.
Yes. Most Medicaid plans, as well as many private insurance providers, cover Vivitrol. Our admissions team can verify your coverage and help with the approval process.
Yes. Vivitrol works best when combined with counseling, group support, and other recovery services that address the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Sources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Naltrexone. Accessed August 1, 2025.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Drug Approval Package. Accessed August 1, 2025.
- NIH - National Library of Medicine. Chapter 5—Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone. Accessed August 1, 2025.
