AI Summary Vivitrol (naltrexone extended-release injection) is a long-acting medication for alcohol use disorder, given by a healthcare provider as a 380 mg injection every 4 weeks.
Medically reviewed.
Vivitrol (naltrexone extended-release injection) is a long-acting prescription medication used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). It blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol's rewarding effects, which helps reduce cravings and supports relapse prevention. A healthcare provider gives it as an injection once every 4 weeks, so no daily medication is needed. It does not treat liver damage directly. Treatment decisions should always be individualized and guided by a healthcare professional.
This page covers Vivitrol's role in AUD care — how it works, who may be eligible, how it is used, benefits, side effects, and liver monitoring. You can also connect with a liver specialist near you for personalized guidance on whether Vivitrol fits your care plan.
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ABOUT VIVITROL TREATMENT
Vivitrol is a prescription medicine that contains naltrexone in a long-acting, extended-release form. It is used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol's rewarding effects. This helps reduce cravings and supports relapse prevention.
Unlike daily tablets such as ReVia (naltrexone), Vivitrol is an injection. A healthcare provider gives it into the gluteal (buttock) muscle every 4 weeks. It keeps medication levels steady between visits.
Vivitrol does not treat liver damage directly. It supports stopping or reducing alcohol use. Because the liver processes naltrexone, liver function is monitored during treatment. Vivitrol is used alongside counseling, support programs, and regular follow-up, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
WHO VIVITROL MAY BE SUITABLE FOR
Eligibility for Vivitrol depends on your alcohol use history, your recovery goals, your liver health, and the other medicines you take. Your healthcare provider may prescribe it if you want help maintaining abstinence from alcohol, you have completed alcohol withdrawal, and you are taking part in a structured recovery program. It may also suit you if you prefer a monthly injection to daily medication, or if you need extra support to stay on treatment.
Liver health matters when choosing an AUD medicine. Naltrexone is processed differently in severe liver disease, and it is generally avoided in people with Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis (advanced cirrhosis) because of safety concerns. Recent data suggest that serious liver toxicity from naltrexone is rare. Guidance also differs for severe alcohol-related liver disease, so your provider will review your liver condition before you start.
Because every patient's health profile is different, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Treatment decisions are individualized and should be made by a qualified healthcare professional after a full assessment of your alcohol use, liver health, and recovery goals.
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Vivitrol may be considered for adults with the following needs, circumstances, or treatment goals:
Before recommending Vivitrol, healthcare providers evaluate several factors to decide whether it is an appropriate option, including:
HOW VIVITROL CAN HELP IN RECOVERY
Vivitrol provides continuous opioid receptor blockade. These receptors are involved in the brain's reward response to alcohol. Blocking them reduces the reward from drinking and eases the craving response.
Because the medication is extended-release, it helps prevent relapse over a 4-week period and keeps medication levels stable. That steadiness supports long-term recovery outcomes.
Vivitrol is not used on its own. When combined with counseling, naltrexone can significantly reduce relapse rates and heavy drinking days compared with placebo. Providers pair it with counseling or support programs and regular monitoring, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs), to track how you respond.
RECOVERY BENEFITS
Vivitrol is used after alcohol withdrawal is complete. Its role is not to manage withdrawal, but to help you stay alcohol-free once you have stopped drinking. Your healthcare provider considers whether you have finished withdrawal before recommending it. Vivitrol then becomes one part of a structured recovery program that is built around your own goals and alcohol use history.
Vivitrol is not used on its own. Medication can ease the biology of craving, but counseling and support programs help you build new habits and cope with situations that prompt drinking. When naltrexone is combined with counseling, it can significantly reduce relapse rates and heavy drinking days compared with placebo. Your provider can help you find the mix of medication and support that suits you.
Vivitrol does not treat liver damage directly. Its benefit for the liver comes from supporting you in staying alcohol-free. When drinking stops, the liver can shed accumulated fat and begin to repair itself. Because the liver also processes naltrexone, your care team keeps watching your liver function while you are on treatment.
Regular follow-up visits give your care team a chance to check how you are responding and to monitor your liver function, often with Liver Function Tests (LFTs). These visits are also a good time to talk about triggers, daily routines, and recovery goals. If something is not working, or you notice side effects or unusual symptoms, your provider can adjust your plan with you.
Vivitrol supports recovery by helping you stay alcohol-free alongside counseling, a structured routine, and regular monitoring. It should only be started and monitored under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
TREATMENT PROCESS
Vivitrol is supplied as a powder and liquid suspension that is mixed before use. A healthcare provider prepares it in a clinical setting.
The typical dose is a 380 mg intramuscular injection every 4 weeks. Your healthcare provider determines the right schedule for you.
Vivitrol is injected into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare provider only. You do not inject it yourself, and it is not a daily tablet.
Treatment is typically continued for several months or longer, depending on your alcohol use history, relapse risk, and recovery goals. Some patients stay on therapy for a year or more as part of long-term relapse prevention. Do not stop treatment without talking to your healthcare provider.
Vivitrol is stored and prepared in a clinical setting according to manufacturer instructions. You do not need to store it at home.
Your healthcare provider will monitor liver function and treatment response regularly. Report any side effects or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
BENEFITS AND SAFETY
Vivitrol (naltrexone extended-release injection) may support people with alcohol use disorder by reducing alcohol cravings and helping prevent relapse. One injection every 4 weeks means no daily medication. The extent of the benefit varies from person to person, depending on alcohol use history, liver health, and how well the medication is combined with counseling and support. Vivitrol is not a stand-alone treatment. It works best alongside counseling or a structured recovery program and ongoing monitoring, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
As with any medication, Vivitrol may cause side effects. Naltrexone is processed by the liver and is generally avoided in advanced (Child-Pugh class C) cirrhosis, so your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function throughout treatment. They will also assess whether Vivitrol remains a suitable option for you.
BENEFITS
Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol's rewarding effects. With less reward from drinking, the urge to drink can ease. Many people find this makes it easier to stay focused on recovery goals and daily routines.
The typical dose is one 380 mg injection every 4 weeks. You do not have to remember a tablet every day, and there is no daily medication routine to manage. Your care team schedules each visit, so treatment fits into a regular follow-up plan.
Vivitrol provides continuous opioid receptor blockade and keeps medication levels stable between doses. This helps protect against relapse across the full 4-week period and supports sustained abstinence over time, especially alongside counseling or a structured recovery program.
A healthcare provider gives every dose, so treatment is delivered consistently. This can help people who find daily medication hard to keep up with, because the schedule is built around clinic visits rather than daily reminders.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment and provide ongoing support, including liver function monitoring, to help ensure safe use.
SUPPORTING YOUR RESULTS
Vivitrol works best as part of a broader recovery plan. Complete alcohol abstinence, counseling or support programs, and regular follow-up all play a role.
Stopping alcohol also protects your liver. When drinking stops, the liver can shed accumulated fat and begin to repair itself. A doctor can help you find an approach to quitting that is right for you.
Areas that may support treatment:
Common Questions
Vivitrol may suit adults who want help maintaining abstinence from alcohol, have completed alcohol withdrawal, and are taking part in a structured recovery program. It may also fit people who prefer a monthly injection to daily medication or need support taking medication consistently. Your liver health, alcohol use history, and current medicines also matter. Your healthcare provider can assess whether Vivitrol is right for you.
Vivitrol is given once every 4 weeks as a 380 mg injection. A healthcare provider injects it into the gluteal (buttock) muscle in a clinical setting, so you do not inject it yourself or store it at home. The medication is mixed before use, and your provider sets the schedule that fits your care plan. Ask your healthcare provider what to expect at each visit.
No, Vivitrol is not a cure for alcohol use disorder. It reduces alcohol reward and craving and helps prevent relapse over a 4-week period. When naltrexone is combined with counseling, it can significantly reduce relapse rates and heavy drinking days compared with placebo. Results vary from person to person. Vivitrol works best alongside counseling or a structured recovery program, so talk with your healthcare provider about realistic goals.
Vivitrol may be an option for some people with liver disease, but it depends on your liver condition. Naltrexone is processed by the liver and is generally avoided in advanced (Child-Pugh class C) cirrhosis because of safety concerns. Guidance also differs for severe alcohol-related liver disease. Recent data suggest serious liver toxicity is rare. If you start Vivitrol, your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function regularly. Discuss your full liver history with them.
The most common side effects of Vivitrol are injection site reactions, nausea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Not everyone has these effects, and your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment. Report any side effects or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider, who also monitors your liver function during treatment. Do not stop treatment on your own without first talking with them.
Treatment with Vivitrol typically continues for several months or longer. The length depends on your alcohol use history, relapse risk, and recovery goals. Some people stay on therapy for a year or more as part of long-term relapse prevention. Your healthcare provider will review how you are responding at regular visits. Do not stop Vivitrol without talking to your healthcare provider first.
The main difference is how you take it: Vivitrol is a monthly injection, while ReVia is a daily tablet. Both contain naltrexone and work by blocking opioid receptors involved in alcohol's rewarding effects. A provider gives every Vivitrol dose, which may help if daily medication is hard to keep up with. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the option that fits your needs.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
