Naltrexone is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid addiction because it stops the activity of opioids. It is also used in the treatment of alcohol dependence as it appears to decrease the addict's need to consume alcohol. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or in injection form that can be administered once a month, although the injection can cost around $1,100 per month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other medications used to treat opiate addiction is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and blocks the effects of opioid drugs. An individual who has been off all opioid medications for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to stop taking all other opioid drugs while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy medications, due to the fact that being treated with Naltrexone along with these types of medications can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone is meant to be used along with a full Dallas treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities In Dallas, Click Here.