Naltrexone is a prescription medication 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 appears to decrease the addict's desire to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be administered once an every four weeks, although the injection can cost around $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other drugs used to treat opiate addiction is that unlike Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and blocks the effect of opioid drugs. An individual who has been off all opioid meds for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid medications while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy meds, due to the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these kinds of medications can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive Douglas treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
For All Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities In Douglas, Click Here.