FDA-Approved Alcohol Addiction Medication | Monthly Vivitrol Shots | Non-Opioid Treatment Options
Naltrexone Treatment in Pontiac, Michigan
Struggling with alcohol addiction and looking for a medication that works differently than traditional approaches? Serenity Rehabilitation Center in Pontiac, Michigan offers comprehensive Naltrexone and Antabuse treatment programs designed to help you break free from alcohol dependence.
Our FDA-approved medication-assisted treatment options include Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone) monthly injections and oral naltrexone to reduce cravings, as well as Antabuse (disulfiram) for patients committed to complete abstinence. Whether you want to reduce heavy drinking or maintain long-term sobriety, our board-certified addiction medicine specialists will create a personalized treatment plan that fits your recovery goals.
90%
Opioid-Free Weeks
with Vivitrol
Monthly
Injection Option
No Daily Pills
Non-Opioid
Medication
Not Addictive
17+
Insurance Plans
Accepted
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved opioid antagonist medication used to treat both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Unlike opioid-based medications like methadone or Suboxone, naltrexone is completely non-addictive and non-narcotic, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking medication without the risk of physical dependence.
At Serenity Rehabilitation Center in Pontiac, Michigan, we offer naltrexone in two forms:
Vivitrol
Extended-Release Injection
Oral Naltrexone
ReVia / Depade
How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol Addiction?
When you drink alcohol, your brain releases endorphins—natural opioids that create feelings of pleasure and reward. This pleasurable response reinforces drinking behavior and creates powerful cravings. Naltrexone works by blocking the mu-opioid receptors in your brain, preventing these endorphins from creating their usual “rewarding” effects.
The result? When you drink while taking naltrexone:
Patients treated with Vivitrol experience 90% opioid-free weeks compared to 35% with placebo. Those using Vivitrol alongside counseling are 17 times less likely to relapse than those without medication.
What Is Antabuse (Disulfiram)?
Antabuse (disulfiram) is an FDA-approved alcohol-aversive medication that has been helping people achieve sobriety for over 70 years. Unlike naltrexone, which reduces cravings, Antabuse works as a powerful deterrent by causing extremely unpleasant physical reactions if you consume any alcohol while taking it.
At Serenity Rehabilitation Center, we prescribe Antabuse for patients who are:
How Does Antabuse Work?
Normally, when you drink alcohol, your liver breaks it down in two steps:
Antabuse blocks the enzyme (aldehyde dehydrogenase) responsible for step 2, causing toxic acetaldehyde to build up in your bloodstream. Even small amounts of alcohol—including those found in mouthwash, cooking wine, or certain medications—can trigger the “disulfiram-alcohol reaction.”
If you drink while taking Antabuse, symptoms begin within 10-30 minutes and include:
Naltrexone vs. Antabuse: Which Alcohol Medication Is Right for You?
Both naltrexone and Antabuse are FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder, but they work in completely different ways and serve different recovery goals. Our addiction medicine specialists at Serenity Rehabilitation Center will help you choose the medication that best fits your situation.
| Factor | Naltrexone / Vivitrol | Antabuse (Disulfiram) |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Blocks pleasure from alcohol, reduces cravings | Makes you sick if you drink alcohol |
| Recovery Goal | Moderation OR abstinence | Complete abstinence ONLY |
| Safe to Drink On? | Yes, but less pleasurable | NO – causes severe reaction |
| Reduces Cravings? | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Administration | Daily pill OR monthly injection | Daily pill only |
| Opioid Use | Must be opioid-free 7-10 days | No opioid restrictions |
| How Long in System | 1 day (pill) / 30 days (shot) | Up to 14 days |
| Best For | Those who want flexibility, reducing heavy drinking | Those committed to zero alcohol |
| Treats Opioid Addiction? | ✓ Yes (both alcohol and opioids) | ✗ No (alcohol only) |
| FDA Approved Since | 1994 (alcohol), 2006 (Vivitrol) | 1951 |
Choose NALTREXONE if you:
- Want to reduce heavy drinking or binge drinking
- Prefer a monthly injection over daily pills
- Also struggle with opioid use
- Want medication that reduces cravings
Choose ANTABUSE if you:
- Are committed to complete alcohol abstinence
- Need extra accountability/deterrent
- Have family/spouse who can supervise daily dosing
- Don’t have a co-occurring opioid use disorder
Vivitrol Shot Near Me: Monthly Naltrexone Injections in Pontiac, MI
Vivitrol is the brand name for extended-release naltrexone—a once-monthly injection that provides consistent medication levels without the need for daily pills. At Serenity Rehabilitation Center, we’re proud to be a certified Vivitrol provider serving Pontiac, Oakland County, and the Detroit metro area.
Benefits of Vivitrol Over Oral Naltrexone
What to Expect During Your Vivitrol Appointment
We confirm you’re opioid-free and medically cleared
Vivitrol works best with counseling support
380mg injection into the gluteal muscle
We monitor you briefly after injection
Return in 4 weeks for your next injection
To prevent precipitated withdrawal, you must:
- Be completely opioid-free for 7-10 days before your first injection
- If transitioning from methadone or Suboxone, wait 10-14 days
- Complete a naloxone challenge test (if needed) to confirm readiness
- Not use any opioid medications including tramadol, codeine, or opioid cough medicines
How to Start Naltrexone or Antabuse Treatment at Serenity
Starting medication-assisted treatment for alcohol addiction at Serenity Rehabilitation Center is straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
Call Us
Contact our admissions team at (248) 838-3686. We’ll discuss your drinking history, insurance, and schedule your intake appointment.
Same-Day Intake
Complete comprehensive evaluation including medical history, alcohol use assessment, and discussion of treatment goals.
Medical Evaluation
Our physician reviews your health status, current medications, and determines which medication is safest and most effective for you.
Begin Medication
Start oral naltrexone or Antabuse immediately, or schedule your first Vivitrol injection (if opioid-free).
Counseling Support
Begin individual and/or group counseling to address the psychological aspects of alcohol addiction.
Ongoing Care
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress, adjust medication if needed, and continue counseling support.
Why Choose Serenity Rehabilitation Center for Alcohol Addiction Medication?
Joint Commission Accredited
Gold standard of healthcare quality. Rigorous standards for patient safety and treatment protocols.
Board-Certified Physicians
Addiction medicine specialists with expertise in naltrexone, Vivitrol, and Antabuse prescribing.
Integrated Treatment
Medication combined with counseling, group therapy, and case management for whole-person recovery.
17+ Insurance Plans
Accept Medicaid, Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United, and more. Most Vivitrol patients pay $0-$5.
Same-Day Appointments
Don’t wait weeks to start treatment. We offer same-day intake when available.
Convenient Pontiac Location
Easy access from I-75 and M-59. Free parking. Serving Oakland County and Detroit metro.
Insurance Coverage for Naltrexone & Antabuse Treatment
Cost should never be a barrier to recovery. Naltrexone, Vivitrol, and Antabuse are covered by most insurance plans, and we offer affordable self-pay options for uninsured patients.
Insurance Plans We Accept
- 9 out of 10 eligible patients pay less than $5 out-of-pocket for Vivitrol
- 99% of Medicaid patients pay $4 or less per injection
- Commercial insurance and uninsured patients may qualify for manufacturer assistance
- Call us to verify your benefits: (248) 838-3686
What Our Patients Say About Naltrexone & Antabuse Treatment
Real stories from patients who found freedom from alcohol addiction through medication-assisted treatment at Serenity Rehabilitation Center.
Jennifer M.
Rochester Hills, MI
“I tried quitting drinking on my own so many times. The cravings were unbearable. My doctor at Serenity put me on the Vivitrol shot, and it completely changed everything. I don’t even think about drinking anymore. The monthly injection is so convenient—I just come in, get my shot, talk to my counselor, and go back to living my life. Two years sober and counting!”
Vivitrol InjectionRobert T.
Waterford, MI
“Antabuse was exactly what I needed—total accountability. Knowing I couldn’t drink without getting violently ill kept me honest. My wife gives me my pill each morning. 14 months sober!”
Antabuse (Disulfiram)Sarah K.
Auburn Hills, MI
“The oral naltrexone pill works great for me. I take it every morning and the cravings are just… gone. The staff here actually listens and adjusted my treatment until we found what worked.”
Oral NaltrexoneDavid L.
Pontiac, MI
“I was struggling with both pain pills and alcohol. The Vivitrol shot treats both at the same time. My insurance covered almost everything—I pay $5 a month. Life-changing treatment, genuinely caring staff.”
Vivitrol InjectionAmanda W.
Troy, MI
“I came in terrified—I’d hidden my drinking from everyone for years. The team made me feel safe, not judged. Started Antabuse that same day. It’s the accountability I needed to rebuild trust with my family.”
Antabuse (Disulfiram)Michael H.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
“As a business owner, I couldn’t do daily clinic visits. The monthly Vivitrol works perfectly for my schedule. No cravings, no withdrawal, and nobody at work knows. Completely discreet and professional.”
Vivitrol InjectionReady to Write Your Own Success Story?
Join hundreds of patients who’ve found freedom from alcohol addiction with our help.
Call Now: (248) 838-3686All testimonials are from real patients. Names and some details have been changed to protect patient privacy in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Naltrexone & Antabuse FAQs
Get answers to the most common questions about alcohol addiction medication treatment at Serenity Rehabilitation Center.
Still Have Questions?
Our admissions team is available to answer all your questions about naltrexone and Antabuse treatment.
Call Us: (248) 838-3686Ready to Break Free from Alcohol Addiction?
Our compassionate team is here to help you find the right medication for your recovery. Take the first step today—call us or schedule an appointment online.
Visit Us
📍 673 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd N, Pontiac, MI 48342
Easy access from I-75 & M-59 | Free Parking | Serving Oakland County & Detroit Metro