Naltrexone is a medication used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid addiction because it stops the activity of opiates. It is also used in the management of alcohol dependence because it apparently lessens the user's desire to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or in injection form that can be given once a month, although the injection can cost around $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other medications used to treat opiate dependence is that unlike Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effect of opioid medications. Someone who has been off all opioid medications for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid medications while taking the drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy drugs, due to the fact that being treated with Naltrexone along with these types of meds can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive The Rock treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
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