Naltrexone - Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers - Howland, ME.

Naltrexone is a medicine 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 management of alcohol dependence as it appears to decrease the addict's need to consume alcohol. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be given once an every four weeks, although the injection can cost around $1,100 a month.

The difference between Naltrexone and other medications used to treat opiate addiction is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effects of opioid drugs. Someone who has been abstaining from all opioid drugs for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid medications 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 types of meds can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone is meant to be used along with a comprehensive Howland treatment program which would include compliance monitoring, counseling, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification.

For All Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Programs In Howland, Click Here.