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 appears to decrease the addict's desire to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be administered once per every four weeks, although the injection can cost up to $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other drugs 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 meds. An individual 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 meds while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy meds, because of the fact that being treated with Naltrexone along with these kinds of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a full Tall Timbers rehab program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers In Tall Timbers, Click Here.