Vivitrol is an FDA-approved medication used to treat both opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is a long-acting, extended-release form of naltrexone given by injection once a month. At Jasper Grove Recovery, Vivitrol is offered as part of our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services and is always paired with includes detox support, counseling, and continuing care.
Vivitrol is the brand name for injectable naltrexone. Naltrexone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain without activating them. This prevents opioids or alcohol from producing euphoric effects, lowers cravings, and helps reduce relapse risk.
Because it is non-addictive and non-narcotic, Vivitrol does not cause physical dependence. Its monthly schedule also eliminates the need for daily dosing.
Vivitrol is effective for both opioid and alcohol dependence and is well-suited for people who want a structured, non-opioid treatment option. Some of the key benefits include:
Eligibility for Vivitrol depends on completing certain medical and recovery steps. For opioid use disorder, clients must complete detox and remain opioid-free for at least a week before their first injection to avoid triggering sudden withdrawal. People seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder also need to abstain from drinking before beginning injections.
A medical evaluation is required to confirm readiness and to rule out potential concerns such as liver issues. Our admissions team works with each client to review their health history, prepare for detox if needed, and determine whether Vivitrol is a safe and effective choice.
Several medications are approved for the treatment of substance use disorders. Each has its own strengths depending on personal history and treatment goals.
Vivitrol is often chosen by people who prefer a non-opioid approach or who want fewer medication-related responsibilities in daily life
For clients recovering from opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers, Vivitrol works by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors. This reduces cravings and makes relapse less likely.
The injection is given every 28 to 30 days. Each dose is followed by ongoing therapy and monitoring. This consistency provides structure and accountability during early recovery.
Vivitrol is also approved for alcohol dependence. By blocking alcohol’s rewarding effects in the brain, it helps reduce the urge to drink and lowers the number of heavy drinking days. Many people find that the monthly schedule gives them more freedom to focus on counseling and lifestyle changes without worrying about taking medication every day.
Key benefits for alcohol use disorder include:
Medication alone is not a complete solution. At Jasper Grove Recovery, Vivitrol treatment is integrated with therapy and counseling to strengthen long-term recovery.
Clients may take part in:
Relapse prevention is built into the structure of Vivitrol treatment. With its monthly dosing and ability to block the effects of substances, Vivitrol creates a protective layer while clients develop stronger coping strategies.
Our relapse prevention planning includes:
Most clients tolerate Vivitrol well, but mild side effects can occur after an injection. The most common experiences include headache, nausea, fatigue, or temporary soreness where the injection was given. These effects usually improve within a short period and can be managed with rest, hydration, and simple comfort measures. More serious reactions, such as allergic responses or changes in liver function, are uncommon but monitored closely. Our medical team provides regular follow-up care, addresses any concerns promptly, and adjusts the treatment plan when necessary to maintain safety and comfort
Cost should not be a barrier to receiving care. Vivitrol is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid. Manufacturer assistance programs are also available.
Our team helps by:
Family participation can make treatment more effective. At Jasper Grove Recovery, relatives are encouraged to learn about how Vivitrol works, understand what to expect during treatment, and strengthen communication at home. With client consent, family members may join therapy sessions or receive updates about progress.
This involvement helps create a more stable support system and reduces isolation for the person in recovery. Once treatment is underway, our team connects families and clients with community resources, alumni groups, and continuing care services to extend support beyond the initial phase of treatment.
Our team ensures clients remain connected to supportive services as they move through treatment. These may include:
Maintaining connection with community resources helps clients strengthen the progress they make during treatment.
If you are seeking treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorder, Vivitrol may be a strong option for your recovery. Jasper Grove Recovery provides safe medical oversight, integrated therapy, and family-centered support. Call our team today at 317.527.4529 or reach out online to begin your assessment and learn if Vivitrol treatment is right for you.
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Alvin Luster is a registered nurse and healthcare leader with extensive experience overseeing nursing operations and facility-wide clinical services in behavioral health and addiction treatment settings. Known for his calm, solutions-oriented approach, Alvin brings a strong blend of clinical expertise, operational leadership, and team development to his work.
He has served in senior nursing and executive leadership roles, managing staffing, policy development, onboarding, and performance improvement while ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accreditation requirements. Alvin is highly skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration and is deeply committed to patient safety, staff support, and efficient clinical operations.
With a background that spans nursing leadership, facility operations, and new program implementation, Alvin is passionate about building strong teams and systems that allow quality care to thrive, especially during periods of growth and change.
Dana Staker is a licensed mental health counselor with more than a decade of experience in behavioral healthcare, specializing in clinical leadership, program development, and comprehensive oversight across residential and outpatient settings. She has led multidisciplinary teams supporting adolescents, adults, and families, with a strong focus on trauma-informed, evidence-based care.
Throughout her career, Dana has held progressive leadership roles in behavioral health, overseeing clinical operations, staff supervision, budgeting, and quality improvement initiatives. She is well-versed in regulatory compliance and accreditation standards and brings a steady, organized approach to maintaining clinical excellence while supporting team growth.
Dana is particularly skilled in milieu management, family-centered treatment, and building programs that balance structure with compassion. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and creating environments where both clients and clinicians can do their best work.
Nicole Carter brings 20 years of experience in high-level management and human resources. Over the past seven years, she has focused on serving the addiction population through executive and regional leadership roles. Well-versed in federal and state regulations, quality control, and compliance, Nicole is driven by a passion for creating positive workplaces where both staff and patients can thrive.
