The monthly shot – known more commonly by the brand name Vivitrol {naltrexone} – is one of three FDA-approved forms of medication-assisted treatments for addiction.

In the past few years, the stigma around treating substance use with other drugs has eased, allowing the availability of medications like Vivitrol to become more widely available.

Andrew credits this monthly shot as the driving force behind his sobriety because the injection doesn't allow him to get high.

Even if he were to use heroin or another opioid, he wouldn't be able to feel its effects. The medication blocks opioid molecules from attaching to receptors in the brain, unlike methadone which eases the pain of withdrawal and blocks the euphoria associated with opioids.