Naltrexone is a prescription medication 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 because it apparently lessens the addict's need to consume alcohol. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or in injection form that can be given once per month, however the injection can cost around $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other drugs used to treat opiate addiction is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and has many of the same properties as heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effects of opioid meds. An individual who has been off all opioid medications for 7-10 days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid meds while taking the drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy medications, because of the fact that being treated with Naltrexone along with these types of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone is meant to be used along with a full Birmingham treatment program which would include counseling, behavioral modification, lifestyle changes, and compliance monitoring.
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