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 treatment of alcohol addiction as it appears to decrease the addict's need to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be given once per month, however the injection can cost up to $1,100 per month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other drugs used to treat opiate dependence is that unlike Methadone which is an agonist and is very similar to heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effect of opioid drugs. An individual who has been abstaining from all opioid meds for 7-10 days can begin treatment with Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid drugs while taking the drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy medications, 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 in conjunction with a comprehensive Swans Island treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
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