Millions of Americans suffer from substance use disorders each year. Addiction costs society billions of dollars in lost productivity and healthcare expenses. If people suffering from addiction have the option to get treatment, it can be a step in the right direction for the entire country. However, one of the common reasons why people avoid getting help is that they are wary of the side effects of the medicines that are taken to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Many people overestimate the impact of the side effects or undervalue the treatment itself.
Entering an addiction and mental health treatment facility is the most effective way to get clean. Patients participating in substance abuse treatment programs are much more likely to get sober and stay sober. Ashwood Recovery is proud to offer Revia treatment to patients suffering from addiction to alcohol or opiates. Our experienced and compassionate staff are familiar with medication-assisted treatment and will do everything they can to make recovery as comfortable as possible. If you’re ready to start your sober journey, contact us at 888.341.3607.
What Is Revia, and What Does It Treat?
Revia is a commonly-prescribed drug used to treat alcohol addiction and opioid dependency. The main component of this drug is naltrexone, a unique opioid antagonist that blocks other opioids from interacting with your brain’s receptors. Naltrexone usually comes in either the pill form of Revia or the injectable form of Vivitrol. The pill form is much more convenient, as a licensed physician must administer Vivitrol.
When a person takes Revia, they will feel no positive or pleasurable effects from alcohol or opioids. This effect is a very efficient way to keep a patient in recovery from relapsing, making Revia one of the most useful drugs for medication-assisted treatment of alcohol or opioid use disorder.
Revia Side Effects and Warnings
Like most other medications used to treat alcohol addiction or opioid dependency, Revia has several side effects. Some of the more common physical side effects may include:
- Cramps
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lethargy
- Joint pain
- Digestive upset
- Decreased libido
There are also a couple of warnings for any patient who has used or is currently using Revia:
- Vulnerability to an opioid overdose – Once a patient has weaned off of using Revia, they may respond to lower doses of opioids than previously used. This lower tolerance for opioids increases their vulnerability to opioid overdose.
- Precipitated opioid withdrawal – Withdrawal during detox can be uncomfortable, but precipitated withdrawal after taking Revia can be severe enough to warrant hospitalization.
How Do You Treat the Side Effects of Revia?
The best way to treat the side effects of Revia is to have a complete recovery program alongside medication-assisted treatment. The side effects are generally mild and do not require much in the way of treatment. However, Revia is only one part of a substance abuse treatment program, as it does nothing to stop the cravings for alcohol or opioids.
Choose a Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Ashwood Recovery
If you or someone you care about is ready to get clean, we at Ashwood Recovery are more than happy to help. We have seen firsthand the benefits of medication-assisted treatment as part of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment. Many patients think there is no hope of recovery, especially if they have experienced multiple relapses. Revia and other similar drugs can rekindle that hope and keep them from relapsing.
If you need more information about alcohol or drug addiction treatment, you can contact Ashwood Recovery in Boise, Idaho. We offer comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs that can be tailored to your specific needs, increasing your likelihood of success in recovery. Call us at 888.341.3607 if you’d like to learn more.