Naltrexone - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers - Guernsey, IA.

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 treatment of alcohol dependence because it apparently lessens the addict's need to drink. Naltrexone can either be administered daily by tablet, or there is an extended-release injection that can be given once a month, although the injection can cost up to $1,100 a month.

The difference between Naltrexone and other meds 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 effects of opioid medications. An individual who has been off all opioid drugs for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid meds while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy meds, due to the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these kinds of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a full Guernsey treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.

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