Vivitrol treatment is a medically supervised method for reducing physical dependence on Alcohol and opioids. The Vivitrol Injection reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating the euphoric “high” that other opioids create. The effects of Vivitrol remain active in your system for 30 days.

Any client who is physically dependent on short- or long-acting opioid drugs or alcohol.

Short-acting opioids: heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, meperidine, propoxyphene, morphine

Long-acting opioids: methadone, LAAM

Alcohol: any

Any client who has an extensive history of opioid drug use (but many not be physically dependent) or alcohol and who has failed other treatment modalities.

Any client who has recently been released from a controlled environment (inpatient rehabilitation center, prison, etc.), who have a known history of alcohol or opioid addiction and who has a high potential for relapse.

Individuals who do not meet the full criteria for alcohol or opioid dependence

Individuals who are not willing to adhere to a substance abuse treatment program

Individuals who cannot or will not follow proper safety precautions while taking the medication

Individuals with untreated significant psychiatric disorders

Individuals with active suicidal or homicidal ideation or attempts

Individuals who are pregnant or are at-risk to be pregnant

Individuals with sedative-hypnotic abuse issues. There is a high risk of lethal overdose when Vivitrol is combined with opiates, alcohol or sedatives.

In order to determine eligibility, all clients must participate in a comprehensive assessment performed by one of our counselors. This assessment includes providing a complete history of alcohol/drugs used, including determining the primary drug of choice. This assessment will be a 2 ½ hour visit.

If client is determined by the counselor to be eligible for Vivitrol treatment, then the counselor will refer the client to the prescribing psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will make the final determination for client eligibility after meeting with the client. All first appointment times are Saturday morning. The psychiatrist will prescribe one dose of medication and the client must fill this dosage and return to the center for the injection in order to be monitored for allergic reaction by center staff for two hours. The client must return for a follow-up visit on Monday. The client must commit to this treatment schedule in order to begin the Vivitrol program.

All clients who are prescribed Vivitrol are required to attend the IOP treatment program which meets 3 days per week. Once the IOP is complete each client is required to continue in aftercare for the duration of their treatment. Clients requiring inpatient treatment will be referred to an inpatient treatment facility and are not eligible for Vivitrol treatment at the Center for Effective Living. All clients must adhere to the recommended level of treatment at the Center for Effective Living. The Vivitrol program is only available to active clients at the Center for Effective Living; clients wishing to complete their substance abuse treatment at a different location are not eligible. The Center for Effective Living runs an intensive outpatient alcohol/drug treatment program that is MHAS approved.

At the beginning of treatment, clients will typically be monitored weekly by the psychiatrist in order to determine the proper dosage and monitor withdrawal symptoms. Clients are required to fully disclose their drug use and take routine toxicology screens. Continued drug use does not automatically terminate services. After stabilization, client appointments will be every 2-6 weeks.

For those patients addicted to long-acting opioids, minimal dosages must be maintained prior to beginning treatment. If patients are receiving treatment at Opioid agonist treatment agencies, coordination is essential in order to begin Vivitrol treatment.

Fees for all appointments must be paid before commencement of the appointment. Only credit cards, cashier’s check and cash will be accepted for payment. Psychiatric services are not covered by insurance claims at this time. Clients may choose to submit claims to their insurance companies directly for reimbursement. These forms are available through the office. Substance abuse treatment may be eligible for insurance coverage; determination of eligibility will be made at the start of treatment. The following is the fee schedule:

Evaluation – $220 (covered by most insurances)

1st psychiatric appointment – $250

2nd psychiatric appointment – $145

All other psychiatric appointments – $85

Must be compliant with prescribed medication and prescribed treatment regimen.

Must carry documentation to alert medical personnel to the fact you are taking Vivitrol.

Must be compliant with scheduled appointments. A fee may be assessed for missed appointments. Repeated missed appointments will lead to termination from program.

Must be honest about drug history.

Must be honest about current use.

Must abstain from other drug use while being treated with Vivitrol, particularly use of alcohol, opiates and sedatives. Use of alcohol, opiates or sedatives may result in severe medical complications, or even death.

Must remain in active substance abuse treatment program at the Center for Effective Living.

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