VIVITROL® FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER
A Once-Monthly Medication to Help You Regain Control
Vivitrol is a once-monthly, non-opioid medication that may help reduce heavy drinking and alcohol’s rewarding effects. Dr. James B. Watson provides private, discreet and affordable alcohol treatment through a Direct Physician Care model—built around the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all program.
Personalized care.
Directly with Dr. Watson.
YOUR LIFE.
YOUR GOALS.
PRIVATE
Treatment in a private medical office—outside the traditional treatment-center or rehab experience.
DISCREET
Confidential care designed for your privacy and peace of mind.
AFFORDABLE
We work with insurance and offer practical options to help keep treatment within reach.
DIRECT PHYSICIAN CARE
The physician you start with is the physician who stays with you. You’re never passed around.
Alcohol Use Disorder Isn’t Just Behavioral
For generations, alcohol treatment often centered on detox followed by counseling, support groups, or behavioral treatment. Those tools remain important—but they address only part of the problem.
Because Alcohol Use Disorder Has Biological Components Too.
Medications can address parts of the biology of alcohol use disorder, while counseling, psychotherapy, and behavioral support address habits, triggers, stress, relationships, and the circumstances that contribute to continued drinking.
Medication Can Address the Biology
Vivitrol® and other medications for alcohol use disorder may help reduce craving, reduce alcohol’s rewarding effects, support abstinence, or reduce the likelihood of returning to heavy drinking, depending on the medication and the individual.
Behavioral Treatment Addresses the Rest
Counseling and psychotherapy can help address triggers, habits, coping strategies, stress, relationships, and other factors that contribute to continued alcohol use or a return to drinking.
Alcohol use disorder is difficult enough to treat without unnecessarily leaving effective treatment options unused. Medication is not the whole treatment plan, and counseling is not the whole treatment plan. When appropriate, combining biological and behavioral approaches gives patients more tools to help them regain and maintain control.
You Don’t Have to Put Your Life on Hold to Get Help
Many people struggling with alcohol are still working, raising families, managing businesses, and handling everyday responsibilities. They may know drinking has become a problem but assume treatment means checking into rehab, stepping away from work, or turning their lives upside down.
For many patients, treatment can look very different.
PRIVATE
Care in a private medical office—not a large treatment program or traditional rehab environment.
DISCREET
Confidential treatment designed for people who value privacy and do not want treatment becoming the center of their identity.
AFFORDABLE
We work with insurance and discuss practical treatment options so cost does not automatically become a barrier to getting help.
DIRECT PHYSICIAN CARE
You work directly with Dr. Watson. The physician you start with is the physician who stays with you.
You Don’t Have to Decide You Need “Rehab” Before You Call.
Start with a medical evaluation. We can talk about what is happening, what you want to change, and which treatment options—including Vivitrol®—may fit your situation.
Understanding Where Vivitrol Fits in the Addiction Cycle
Alcohol use disorder can become part of a repeating cycle involving reward, withdrawal, craving, and anticipation. Vivitrol® works by blocking opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s reinforcing effects, which may help reduce heavy drinking and make it easier for some patients to regain control.
What Vivitrol Does
Vivitrol® is extended-release naltrexone. It blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s reinforcing and rewarding effects.
For some patients, alcohol becomes less rewarding, which may reduce heavy drinking, decrease craving, and help interrupt the cycle of continued alcohol use.
Why the Addiction Cycle Matters
Different parts of the addiction cycle can be influenced by different treatment approaches.
- Binge / Intoxication
Reward and reinforcement - Withdrawal / Negative Affect
Discomfort, stress, and negative emotional states - Preoccupation / Anticipation
Craving, anticipation, and repeated focus on alcohol
Vivitrol primarily affects the reward stage by reducing alcohol’s reinforcing effects.
Vivitrol® Can Treat Both Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder
For Alcohol Use Disorder
Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s reward pathway. For some patients, alcohol becomes less rewarding, which may help reduce heavy drinking and craving.
For Opioid Use Disorder
Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors so opioids cannot produce their usual euphoric effects. Patients must first be opioid-free for an appropriate period before starting naltrexone to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
Meeting You Where You Are
Your Goals Are Personal
Some patients want complete abstinence. Others begin by reducing heavy drinking and regaining control.
Your Treatment Should Be Personal Too
The plan should reflect where you are now, what you want to change, and which biological and behavioral tools may help you get there.
The Doctor You Start With
Is the Doctor Who Stays With You
At Dr. Watson’s private practice, you work directly with Dr. James B. Watson, DO from your first evaluation through treatment and ongoing follow-up.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. It’s medical expertise, individual attention, and a treatment plan built around you.
ONCE-MONTHLY TREATMENT
One injection provides a full month of medication, eliminating the need to remember a daily dose.
NON-OPIOID & NON-ADDICTIVE
Vivitrol is not an opioid, does not produce a high, and is not habit-forming.
MAY REDUCE HEAVY DRINKING & CRAVINGS
By reducing alcohol’s rewarding effects, Vivitrol may help some patients reduce heavy drinking and cravings.
DIRECT PHYSICIAN FOLLOW-UP
You’re not passed between providers. Dr. Watson follows your progress and adjusts your treatment plan when needed.
Your Treatment.
Your Goals. Your Life.
“Treatment isn’t about finding the perfect medication—it’s about finding the right plan for you. Whether your goal is to stop drinking completely or regain control, we’ll meet you where you are and build a plan around your life.”
You Don’t Have to Know Which Treatment You Need Before You Call.
Start with a confidential conversation. We’ll talk about what’s happening, what you want to change, and whether Vivitrol® or another treatment option may fit your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder
What is Vivitrol?
How does Vivitrol work for alcohol use disorder?
Is Vivitrol addictive?
Does Vivitrol make you sick if you drink alcohol?
Can you still drink alcohol while taking Vivitrol?
Do I have to go to rehab to receive Vivitrol?
Is Vivitrol the same as oral naltrexone?
Can Vivitrol also treat opioid use disorder?
Is Vivitrol the only medication for alcohol use disorder?
MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT