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 treatment of alcohol addiction as 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 per every four weeks, however the injection can cost up to $1,100 per month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other medications used to treat opiate addiction is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and blocks the effects of opioid meds. Someone 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 medications while taking the drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy medications, because of the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these types of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive Kemp treatment program which would include compliance monitoring, counseling, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification.