Breaking Free Together with Tulsa Halfway Houses and Vivitrol for the Harmful Effects of Opioids

Tulsa, Oklahoma offers a mix of history and modern appeal. Nicknamed “Oil Capital of the World” for its black gold boom, Tulsa boasts a rich cultural heritage evident in its Art Deco architecture and jazz scene. Today, the city pulsates with youthful energy, thanks to a thriving art scene, innovative museums like Philbrook Museum of Art, and the revitalized Tulsa Arts District. It’s important to recognize that Tulsa, like many communities across the nation, faces the challenge of opioid addiction. Thankfully, medication like Vivitrol and its opioid-blocking effects is available in the city to aid those seeking recovery by helping to prevent relapse.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, substance use statistics provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by the community. An annual average of 126,000 persons aged 12 or older in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) used an illicit drug in the past year, representing 15.4% of the population. In 2017, there were 388 overdose deaths involving opioids in Oklahoma, resulting in a rate of 10.2 deaths per 100,000 persons. This rate was lower than the national average of 14.6 deaths per 100,000 persons.

Halfway houses in Tulsa serve as crucial assets for individuals navigating recovery, particularly for the widespread dangers of opioid abuse and addiction. These facilities provide assistance to residents as they reintegrate into society and restore their lives. Within Oklahoma’s halfway houses, individuals engage actively in scheduled therapy sessions, encompassing both one-on-one and group counseling, designed to tackle addiction’s underlying causes and foster constructive coping mechanisms. This comprehensive method and being equipped with how Vivitrol can assist in recovery is pivotal in assisting individuals to lay the groundwork for enduring success on their path to sobriety.

What is the addiction rate in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has a significant problem with substance abuse. According to data from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 16.1% of adult Oklahomans struggle with substance abuse disorders. In 2021, Oklahoma ranked 5th in the nation for the prevalence of substance abuse disorders.

As for alcohol dependence, Oklahoma ranks 6th in the nation for alcohol-related mortality. 14.3% of Tulsa County adults report binge drinking in the past 30 days. Excessive drinking results in 1,350 deaths and 41,460 years of potential life lost each year in Oklahoma. The opioid crisis has also taken a devastating toll on Oklahoma. From 2019 to 2022, the number of fentanyl overdose deaths increased 12-fold, from 50 deaths in 2019 to 609 in 2022.

The drug and alcohol crisis in Oklahoma has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the state. By understanding the scope of the problem and the specific challenges faced, healthcare providers, and community organizations can work together to develop targeted interventions and support systems.

What to avoid while on VIVITROL?

Vivitrol, a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, is a medication used to combat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Vivitrol helps prevent people in Oklahoma with opioid dependence from feeling the need to use opioids. It works by blocking mu opioid receptors, suppressing the intoxication and euphoria caused by opioids, and also blocking the pain relief they provide. It can also help individuals with alcohol dependence. It blocks the intoxicating effects of alcohol and the associated “high.”

However, there are some key things to avoid while taking Vivitrol.

• Opioids: Due to Vivitrol blocking the effects of opioids, this includes prescription pain medications, heroin, and other illegal opioids. Taking opioids while on Vivitrol will not only be ineffective but could also lead to dangerous interactions.
• Certain medications: Vivitrol can interact with some other medications, such as some used for diarrhea.
• Alcohol: Although Vivitrol doesn’t interact with alcohol in the same way it does with opioids, avoiding alcohol is still important. This is because alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder often co-occur. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in Tulsa can be a helpful solution for individuals struggling with alcohol dependency.

Vivitrol is used as part of a treatment program that may also include therapy and counseling. It works by blocking the effects of opioids or alcohol in the brain, which can help to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Itl is not a cure for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, but it can be a helpful tool in recovery. It is important to use Vivitrol as directed by a doctor and to continue with other forms of treatment and other recovery plans.

When should VIVITROL be discontinued?

There are a few reasons why it is recommended to discontinue using Vivitrol. One reason is if you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or loss of appetite, stopping Vivitrol might be necessary. These symptoms could indicate liver problems like acute hepatitis, so getting checked is crucial. In rare cases, Vivitrol can trigger a severe allergic reaction.

After using Vivitrol, patients have reduced opioid tolerance. This means they are vulnerable to potentially fatal overdose at the end of a dosing interval, after missing a dose, or after discontinuing Vivitrol treatment. Therefore, discontinuation should be approached with caution. People who have been in stable recovery for a long time and feel confident without Vivitrol might consider discontinuation. However, if you’re not taking Vivitrol as directed, it might be best to stop and re-evaluate its effectiveness in your recovery plan.

Drug treatment centers in Tulsa can be invaluable resources for those considering discontinuing Vivitrol. These centers provide medical supervision, counseling, and support to help you navigate the process safely. They can also help you develop a relapse prevention plan to minimize your risk of returning to substance use.

Tulsa Halfway Houses Offer Healing from Opioid Addiction with the Help of Vivitrol and its Effects

Opioid addiction is a serious condition where someone becomes dependent on opioid drugs. These drugs include prescription pain relievers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain. This blocks pain signals and creates feelings of pleasure (euphoria). With repeated use, the brain adjusts to the presence of opioids. This makes it difficult to function normally without them. Dependence develops, where someone needs increasing amounts of the drug just to feel normal and avoid withdrawal symptoms. From 2011 to 2015, there were 3,553 unintentional overdose deaths in Oklahoma, including Tulsa. Approximately 60% of these overdose deaths involved opioids.

By removing the possibility of getting high, Vivitrol and its opioid-blocking effects allows people to focus on other aspects of recovery. These include therapy and building a strong support system. However, it’s important to remember that Vivitrol is most effective when used alongside other forms of recovery plans. Halfway houses in Tulsa are structured living environments that provide a safe and supportive place for people to transition back into society after completing inpatient treatment programs. They offer residents a chance to rebuild their lives while receiving support and guidance. The combination of Vivitrol and the structured environment of an Oklahoma halfway house can be very effective in helping people overcome opioid addiction and rebuild their lives. Feel free to contact us today to discover the assistance and resources at your disposal, leading you toward a rewarding life free from addiction.

Resources:

[1] Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Oklahoma – Addiction Group

[2] Vivitrol – Drugs

[3] Substance Use and Mental Disorders in theTulsa MSA – SAMHSA