If you or someone you care about is in recovery from opioid use disorder, you may have heard of medications like Vivitrol and Sublocade. Both of these medications can help people stay on track and avoid using opioids again. But how do they work, and which one is better?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. What works well for one person may not be the best choice for someone else, and that’s OK. The most important thing is finding a treatment that helps you feel safe, supported, and ready to heal.

In this article, we’ll compare Vivitrol and Sublocade so you can understand the key differences and talk with your care team about which one may be right for you.

How can medication help with opioid use disorder?

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are a key part of treatment. These medications are used together with other types of support, like counseling, therapy, and support groups. MOUD helps people by making withdrawal symptoms easier to handle and by reducing cravings to use opioids. This allows people to focus on their recovery and learn new, healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.

Vivitrol

Vivitrol is a medication that contains naltrexone. It’s given as an injection once a month, usually in the buttock. Naltrexone goes into the opioid receptors in the brain and stays there, blocking opioids from attaching. If someone takes an opioid while on Vivitrol, the opioids can’t attach, so they don’t get the same effect. This can help reduce the desire to use opioids. Vivitrol doesn’t cause a high, and it’s not a controlled substance, meaning it’s not something people can become addicted to. However, very high-dose or high-potency opioids can overtake the receptors, so overdose is still possible.

Vivitrol is for adults who have already stopped using opioids and are no longer having withdrawal symptoms. This is vital. If someone takes Vivitrol while still using opioids or is in withdrawal, it can make them feel very sick. A person usually needs to go through a detox period and get all opioids out of their system before starting Vivitrol.

Good things about Vivitrol:

• Once-a-month shot

This makes it easier to stick with treatment since you don’t have to remember to take medicine every day.

• Blocks effects

It can help prevent the good feeling someone may get from using opioids, which can make them less likely to use them again.

• Not addictive

It’s not a controlled substance, so there’s no risk of becoming dependent on it.

Things to think about with Vivitrol:

• Must be opioid free

You have to completely stop using opioids before starting Vivitrol, which can be challenging due to withdrawal symptoms.

• Side effects

Like all medicines, Vivitrol can have side effects. Side effects may include pain at the injection site, nausea, headaches, and trouble sleeping. More serious problems could include liver issues or allergic reactions.

• Lower tolerance

If someone misses a shot and then uses opioids again, their body’s tolerance may be lower. This means they could accidentally take too much and overdose.

Sublocade

Sublocade is another MOUD. It contains a medicine called buprenorphine. It’s also a shot given once a month, but it goes right under the skin. This is called subcutaneous and is usually given in your abdomen, thigh, buttock, or the back of your upper arm.

Sublocade is different from Vivitrol because instead of completely blocking the brain receptors, it only partially blocks them. It blocks enough to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but not enough to cause a strong high. This can help people feel more comfortable as they recover. It also helps keep stronger opioids from attaching as easily.

Sublocade is for adults who have already started treatment with another form of buprenorphine, like a medicine that dissolves under the tongue.

Good things about Sublocade:

• Once-a-month shot

Just like Vivitrol, it’s convenient because you don’t need to take medicine daily.

• Reduces withdrawal and cravings

It can help ease the tough feelings that come with stopping opioids, making recovery smoother.

• Steady medicine

Once injected, it slowly releases the medicine over the whole month, so the amount of medicine in your body stays pretty even.

Things to think about with Sublocade:

• Still an opioid

Even though it’s a partial opioid receptor blocker, buprenorphine is still an opioid, so your body could potentially become physically dependent on it. Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal, though it may be less severe than with other opioids.

• Special program

Sublocade is only given by special doctors or clinics because it needs to be a part of a carefully managed treatment plan. It’s not something you can get from your regular pharmacy.

• Side effects

Side effects may include pain or itching at the injection site, constipation, headaches, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare, but can include serious breathing problems or liver issues.

• Interactions

It’s incredibly important not to mix Sublocade with other medicines that can make you sleepy, like certain pain pills, anxiety medicines, or alcohol, as this can cause very serious breathing problems.

Making an informed decision: Which is better for you?

Vivitrol and Sublocade are incredibly helpful medicines, but they work in different ways and are for different situations. This is why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “Which is better?” The best choice depends on your unique needs and what your care team recommends.

Here are some key questions to consider when figuring out the best path for you:

• Where are you in your recovery journey?
• If you’ve recently stopped using opioids and are ready to be completely off them, Vivitrol may be a good fit if you’re past the withdrawal stage.
• If you’re still experiencing cravings or other withdrawal symptoms or need help to slowly stop using opioids, Sublocade may be a better choice because it helps ease those feelings and manage withdrawal.
• What are your health conditions?
• A doctor will look at your overall health. For example, if you have certain liver problems, one medication may be safer than the other.
• If you also struggle with alcohol use, Vivitrol may be considered, as it can help both.
• What are the potential side effects?
• Both medications have side effects, but they can be different. Some people may find one medication’s side effects easier to manage than another’s. It’s important to talk openly with your doctor about any concerns.
• How do you feel about daily versus monthly medication?
• Both medications are monthly shots, which is a big advantage for many people because they don’t have to remember to take medicine every day. This can make it easier to stick with treatment.
• What kind of support do you have?
• No matter which medication is chosen, it works best when combined with other help, like counseling, therapy, and support groups. These things help people learn new ways to live without opioids and deal with life’s challenges. Having supportive family and friends is also a huge help in recovery.

Deciding on the right path for opioid use disorder treatment is a significant step, and it’s a team effort. You, your support system, and your care team should discuss all options carefully.

They can help you understand the differences between Vivitrol and Sublocade and decide which one fits best with your unique situation and goals. Recovery is a journey, and these medications can be powerful tools to help you on your way to a healthier, happier life.

Groups can help you in choosing the right medication for you

If you’re feeling unsure, scared, or overwhelmed by recovery options, that’s completely normal. Reaching out for help takes courage, but you don’t have to go through this alone.

At Groups, we help people across the country find real, lasting recovery from opioid use disorder. Our programs offer medication management along with weekly group therapy, peer support, and kind, caring providers who listen without judgment. We work with many insurance plans, so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier.

Whether you’re ready to start treatment or just want to learn more, we’re here for you. Your journey matters, and recovery is possible, one step at a time.

Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.