The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Hey has anyone had experience with the vivatrol "pellet"? My boyfriend got it today and is sick--like withdrawl he says. Any idea how long this lasts? Could it be from residual "stuff" in his system still? Anyone know if these withdrawl symptoms will go away once his body has processed stuff? We are both new to this whole sobriety thing. He is very determined to be sober and so am I. I need help to know how to support him and encourage him, but I also would like anyone's feedback and experience with this preventative drug
-- Edited by clementine on Friday 16th of July 2010 01:22:02 AM
-- Edited by clementine on Friday 16th of July 2010 01:23:06 AM
My AH took the vivitrol shot for a few months a couple years ago. I agree with Aloha about asking the doc that prescribed it. It did have side effects, although I wasn't the one taking the shot and can't remember what they were.
Since you asked about our experiences with vivitrol ... my AH took it for 5 months or so after he'd spent a few months going in and out of sobriety. He says now that he wanted a miracle cure that would allow him to be sober without putting in the work. Unfortunately, without doing the work, as soon as he stopped taking the shots, he started drinking again. Now, he has been sober for more than 16 months without any drugs.
I don't mean to be discouraging or to suggest that vivitrol isn't effective. I'm just saying that in my opinion, it is not a long-term solution. Alcoholism is a physical, mental, and spiritual disease. If the alcoholic does not get treatment for all 3 things, he or she will probably not be able to stay sober. The shot only addresses the physical cravings, but does nothing for the mental and spiritual effects of alcoholism.
