Naltrexone is a 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 as it apparently lessens the user's desire 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 meds used to treat opiate dependence is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and blocks the effect of opioid meds. Someone who has been abstaining from all opioid drugs for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to stop taking all other opioid medications while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy medications, because of 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 full St. Agatha rehab program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
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