Naltrexone is a prescription med 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 dependence because it apparently lessens the addict's need to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or in injection form that can be given once an every four weeks, however the injection can cost up to $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other meds used to treat opiate dependence is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and is very similar to heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effect of opioid drugs. An individual who has been off all opioid medications for seven to ten 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 medications, due to the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these types of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used along with a full Santa Barbara rehab program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
There are 2 Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Programs offering this service in Santa Barbara, CA
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