Naltrexone is a medication used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid abuse and addiction because it stops the activity of opioids. It is also used in the treatment of alcohol addiction as it apparently lessens the user's desire to consume alcohol. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be given once per every four weeks, although the injection can cost up to $1,100 per month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other drugs used to treat opiate addiction is that unlike Methadone which is an agonist and is very similar to heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effect of opioid meds. An individual who has been abstaining from 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 drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy medications, because of the fact that being treated with Naltrexone along with these types of meds can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone is meant to be used along with a comprehensive Lackawaxen treatment program which would include compliance monitoring, counseling, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification.
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