Naltrexone is a medicine used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid addiction because it stops the activity of opioids. It is also used in the management of alcohol addiction as it appears to decrease the user's desire to consume alcohol. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be administered once per 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 very similar to heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effect of opioid medications. 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 meds while taking the drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy meds, due to the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these types of medications can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive Bryant rehab program which would include compliance monitoring, counseling, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification.
For All Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Programs In Bryant, Click Here.