Break Free from Opioid and Alcohol Dependence
One Monthly Injection. No Daily Medication. A Fresh Start.
Imagine focusing on your recovery without having to remember medication every day. At Gulf Coast Medicine, we offer Vivitrol, a once-monthly, non-opioid injection designed to help individuals recovering from opioid or alcohol dependence take meaningful steps toward lasting recovery.
Whether you’re working toward freedom from opioids or overcoming alcohol dependence, Vivitrol may help you move forward with confidence.
Less Cravings. More Freedom. A Healthier Future.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone) is an FDA-approved, non-addictive medication used to treat alcohol dependence and help prevent relapse into opioid dependence after opioid detoxification.
Unlike Suboxone or Sublocade, Vivitrol contains no opioids. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
For individuals recovering from opioid dependence, Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids and helps reduce the risk of returning to opioid use.
For individuals recovering from alcohol dependence, Vivitrol can help reduce alcohol cravings and support continued recovery.
One injection provides medication coverage for approximately one month.
Vivitrol is most effective when combined with counseling, behavioral support, and a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why Patients Choose Vivitrol
✔ No Daily Medication – One injection every four weeks or once monthly.
✔ Non-Opioid Treatment – Contains no opioids and does not cause physical opioid dependence.
✔ Helps Prevent Opioid Relapse – Blocks the effects of opioids and supports recovery after detoxification.
✔ Supports Alcohol Recovery – Can help reduce alcohol cravings and support abstinence.
✔ More Privacy and Convenience – No daily medication routine.
✔ Long-Lasting Support – Provides extended medication coverage between appointments.
✔ Personalized Recovery Care – Treatment tailored to your needs, progress, and recovery goals.
Is Vivitrol Right for You?
Vivitrol may be an option if you:
- Have completed opioid detoxification and want additional protection against relapse.
- Are recovering from alcohol dependence and are able to stop drinking before beginning treatment.
- Prefer a non-opioid medication for addiction treatment.
- Want to avoid taking medication every day.
- Are transitioning away from Suboxone, Sublocade, methadone, or other opioid-based treatment under medical supervision.
- Want additional support in maintaining long-term recovery.
Important: Before starting Vivitrol for opioid dependence, you must be completely free of opioids, including medications such as Suboxone, methadone, and opioid pain medications.
Most patients must be opioid-free for at least 7–10 days, and patients transitioning from buprenorphine or methadone may remain at risk for precipitated withdrawal for up to two weeks or longer.
Our medical team will evaluate your readiness and determine when it is safe to begin treatment.
What to Expect During Vivitrol Treatment
Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
Your recovery journey begins with a confidential consultation.
Our medical team will review your health history, substance use history, current medications, treatment goals, and whether Vivitrol is appropriate for you.
Step 2: Medical Screening & Preparation
Before your first injection, we may complete:
- A medical evaluation and medication review
- Urine drug screening
- Assessment for opioid withdrawal
- Liver function testing when clinically indicated
- Additional testing to confirm opioid-free status, if needed
For opioid dependence, you must complete the necessary opioid-free period before receiving Vivitrol.
Vivitrol is not a medication used to manage active opioid withdrawal.
Step 3: Your Monthly Vivitrol Injection
Once medically cleared, you’ll receive a 380 mg Vivitrol injection administered by a qualified healthcare professional into the gluteal muscle (buttock).
The injection is given every four weeks or once monthly, alternating sides with each dose.
No daily Vivitrol medication is required between injections.
Step 4: Continued Recovery Support
Recovery doesn’t stop after your injection.
Our team will monitor your progress, discuss side effects, help coordinate follow-up care, and provide ongoing encouragement throughout your treatment.
We believe medication works best alongside a strong support system and an individualized recovery plan.
Important Safety Information
Your safety is always our priority. Although Vivitrol can be an effective treatment option, there are important precautions every patient should understand.
You Must Be Opioid-Free Before Starting
Receiving Vivitrol while opioids are still in your system can cause sudden, severe opioid withdrawal, which may require hospitalization.
Never stop Suboxone, methadone, or other prescribed medications without guidance from your healthcare provider.
Increased Risk of Opioid Overdose
Vivitrol reduces opioid tolerance. Your risk of a potentially fatal overdose may increase if you attempt to overcome its opioid-blocking effects, miss an injection, discontinue treatment, or approach the end of a dosing interval.
Never attempt to override Vivitrol by taking large amounts of opioids.
Ask your healthcare provider about having naloxone available for overdose emergencies.
Common Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle or joint discomfort
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe or worsening injection-site pain, swelling, blistering, or skin changes
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain
- New or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Seek emergency medical attention for difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or suspected overdose.
Vivitrol is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with current opioid dependence, active opioid withdrawal, a positive opioid screening, or certain medical conditions may not be eligible.
Your provider will review all risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives before beginning care.
Vivitrol vs. Suboxone: What’s the Difference?
Both medications are used in opioid addiction treatment, but they work differently.
Neither medication is right for everyone. Our team can help you understand your options and choose a treatment approach based on your medical needs and recovery goals.
Why Choose Gulf Coast Medicine?
Because Your Recovery Deserves More Than Just Medication.
At Gulf Coast Medicine, we understand that addiction recovery is personal. Every patient has a different story, different challenges, and different goals.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, respectful, and individualized care in a welcoming environment where you feel supported—not judged.
We believe recovery is about more than stopping substance use. It’s about rebuilding confidence, improving your health, restoring relationships, and creating a future you’re proud of.
Whether Vivitrol is part of your short-term or long-term treatment plan, we’ll work with you to determine what’s best for your continued recovery.
Your Progress. Your Independence. Your Future.
Start Your Next Chapter Today
One Monthly Injection Could Be Part of Your Fresh Start.
You don’t have to navigate recovery alone.
If you’re interested in a non-opioid treatment option for alcohol or opioid dependence, Gulf Coast Medicine is here to help you explore whether Vivitrol is right for you.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident future.
📍 Gulf Coast Medicine | Mobile, Alabama
📞 Call Today to Schedule Your Confidential Consultation!
Your Recovery Starts Here.