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Understanding Naltrexone and its Role in Opioid Treatment at a Sacramento Clinic

At our opioid treatment clinic in Sacramento, we utilize Naltrexone, specifically its injectable form—Vivitrol, as an effective tool in combating opioid addiction. Vivitrol, an opioid blocker, requires a detox period before use, and although less popular than methadone or buprenorphine, it offers significant support during tapering strategies and in highly controlled environments, proving pivotal in our mission to counter the opioid crisis.

August 1, 2023

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

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The opioid crisis continues to rage on, challenging individuals and healthcare systems alike. At our opioid treatment clinic in Sacramento, we leverage the power of medical advancements to combat this menace. One effective tool in our arsenal is Naltrexone, particularly its long-acting, injectable form—Vivitrol. Naltrexone operates as an opioid blocker, essentially blocking the brain receptors that opioids stimulate, thereby reducing the temptation to abuse these harmful substances.

The journey to a substance-free life is daunting and can be full of hurdles. One of the challenges for opioid-dependent individuals is the process of detoxification. It is essential to have been off opioids for seven to ten days before starting Vivitrol. This requirement can pose a significant obstacle. However, the reward is great, as Vivitrol eliminates the effects of abused opioids, creating a safety net for the recovering addict.

Vivitrol, while effective, does come with certain cautions. The medication's blocking properties can interfere with the pain management effectiveness of opioids in the event of a serious accident or surgical need. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals on Vivitrol to wear an identifier, such as a bracelet or necklace, to inform healthcare providers about their treatment in case of emergencies.

Vivitrol isn’t as popular as methadone or buprenorphine, partly because it can be challenging to encourage patients to stay with the treatment over a longer term. Yet, it remains a crucial option in our clinic for patients who seek it. Vivitrol can be a potent aid during tapering strategies from methadone or buprenorphine. When used as an added security measure, it can extend the safety period for those who have completed detoxification.

Vivitrol also plays a significant role in controlled environments such as correctional facilities, helping individuals on probation or parole to avoid opioid abuse. The medication proves effective in such cases, assisting in maintaining sobriety while supporting rehabilitation efforts.

Our opioid treatment clinic in Sacramento offers a variety of treatment options for those grappling with opioid addiction, including Vivitrol, underlining our commitment to providing comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. It is all part of our mission to counter the devastating opioid crisis, one patient at a time.

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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