Learn · Online alcohol treatment
Vivitrol — the once-monthly injection for alcohol use disorder
Don't want a daily pill? Vivitrol is naltrexone as a once-monthly injection. Most online programs are pill-only — Abstinex supports the monthly shot too.
Free to check if you qualify — no payment until you start care.
Why it works
- NNT 12for oral naltrexone to prevent one person's return to heavy drinking, in pooled trialssource
- 25%reduction in heavy drinking days with monthly injectable naltrexone vs. placebo, in the pivotal trialsource
- 27.9Mpeople ages 12+ in the U.S. had alcohol use disorder in the past yearsource
Starts at
$99first review
No insurance needed. Free to check if you qualify.
Figures are general research findings, not individual results. A licensed clinician decides what's right for you.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release injectable naltrexone. Instead of a daily pill, it's one intramuscular injection about every four weeks, given by a healthcare provider. It's FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder.
How well does the monthly injection work?
In the pivotal 6-month JAMA trial (624 patients), monthly injectable naltrexone reduced heavy drinking days by 25% versus placebo. Results vary by person; a clinician decides whether it's right for you.
Before the monthly shot: what to know
Extended-release naltrexone requires an opioid-free period (usually 7–14 days) before the first injection, and it's given by a healthcare provider. Your Abstinex clinician reviews whether it's safe and appropriate for you.
How Abstinex helps you get Vivitrol
Abstinex is one of the few online programs that supports the monthly injection. Your clinician coordinates care, and we help you find a partner clinic, health center, or pharmacy near you that administers it.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get Vivitrol through an online program?
- Yes. Abstinex clinicians can coordinate the monthly extended-release naltrexone injection and help you find a nearby clinic that administers it, when it's clinically appropriate for you.
- Is the monthly shot better than the daily pill?
- Neither is universally 'better' — the pill and the injection are both effective; the shot removes the need to remember a daily dose. Your clinician helps you choose based on your situation.
- Where do I get the injection?
- A healthcare provider administers it. Abstinex helps you find a partner clinic, health center, or pharmacy near you.
Boundaries you can trust
Safety and privacy first
Abstinex uses privacy-conscious, HIPAA-aligned design. It is not emergency or crisis care — if you are in immediate danger, call 911, or call or text 988. Smart Assist never diagnoses alcohol use disorder or approves medication.
Human review, always
A licensed provider reviews every case — nothing is prescribed automatically.
Privacy-conscious design
HIPAA-aligned safeguards; health information never goes in links or logs.
Safety screening first
Structured screening and triage come before any provider action.
Clear emergency line
Not emergency care. In immediate danger, call 911, or call or text 988.
Important safety information
Abstinex is not emergency care, detox management, or a crisis hotline. Patients experiencing a medical emergency, severe withdrawal symptoms, or immediate safety risk should seek emergency help.