Naltrexone is a prescription med used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid abuse and addiction because it stops the activity of opiates. It is also used in the management of alcohol dependence because it apparently lessens the addict's desire to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or in injection form that can be given once a month, 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 not like Methadone which is an agonist and is very similar to heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and blocks the effect of opioid medications. Someone 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 drugs, due to the fact that being treated with Naltrexone along with these kinds of meds can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive Washington rehab program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
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