Naltrexone is a medication 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 as it appears to decrease the addict's need to consume alcohol. Naltrexone can either be administered daily by tablet, or in injection form that can be given once per month, however the injection can cost up to $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other medications used to treat opiate dependence is that unlike Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effects of opioid meds. An individual who has been abstaining from all opioid drugs for seven to ten days can begin treatment with Naltrexone, but they will have to stop taking all other opioid meds while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy drugs, due to the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these kinds of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal reactions.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive Bringhurst treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
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