Naltrexone: How It Works, Side Effects, and Treatment Options
Naltrexone is a pharmaceutical agent specifically designed to combat the issues surrounding alcohol and opioid dependency. This medication falls under the category of opioid antagonists. Its primary function is to block the euphoric and sedative effects of substances such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as to diminish the cravings for alcohol and opioids. As a result, Naltrexone plays a significant role in our addiction treatment services for substance abuse and addiction, providing a pharmacological support, counseling, and recovery support.
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What Does Naltrexone Do?
Naltrexone binds and blocks an individuals opiate receptors. This mechanism prevents clients from experiencing the typical ‘high’ associated with opioid usage and the feelings of relaxation and contentment with alcohol, overall reducing the desire to take these substances.
Naltrexone’s blocking action works as a deterrent; if someone using Naltrexone consumes opioids or alcohol, they are less likely to feel the effects of these substances due to the lack of chemical reward.
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Naltrexone Side Effects
Like any medication, Naltrexone can cause side effects, though they tend to vary from person to person. Some common side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness
- Muscle or joint aches
- Abdominal pain or cramps
These side effects are generally mild and often dissipate after the body adjusts to the medication. However, some individuals might experience more severe side effects, such as confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision, or liver damage. It is crucial to seek medical advice if any of these symptoms occur.
What Does Naltrexone Treat?
Naltrexone has been approved for both alcohol and opioid dependency. Its primary use is to help individuals reduce their consumption or abstain from these substances. It is essential to note that Naltrexone is not a cure for addiction but a tool used as part of a broader therapeutic approach that includes psychological support, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments.
Naltrexone for Alcohol
In individuals with alcohol dependency, Naltrexone helps decrease the craving for alcohol after they have stopped drinking. Naltrexone blocks the neural pathways in the brain typically stimulated by alcohol consumption. This blockage prevents the feelings of pleasure alcohol induces, helping to reduce the motivation to drink.
Naltrexone for Opioids
Naltrexone for opioids prevents the euphoric response to opioid intake, helping to break the cycle of dependence. However, it is vital for individuals to have fully detoxed from opioids before starting Naltrexone; otherwise, they risk severe withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone vs Naloxone
Naltrexone and Naloxone are both opioid antagonists, but they serve different purposes. Naltrexone is used for long-term prevention of relapse into opioid or alcohol abuse, whereas Naloxone is a drug used to counter the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone acts rapidly to restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.
Suboxone vs. Naltrexone
Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and Naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Unlike Naltrexone, Suboxone is primarily used to manage opioid dependence, easing the process of detox by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The choice between Suboxone and Naltrexone will depend on individual circumstances, including the severity of the addiction, lifestyle factors, and other health considerations. At Peachtree Recovery Solutions, our medical team can evaluate which options are most appropriate.
How Long Does Naltrexone Last?
The effects of Naltrexone last approximately 24 hours, with some variations based on individual factors such as metabolism, body mass, and overall health. It is often administered as a daily oral dose. However, a long-acting form that is injected monthly, known as Vivitrol, is also available.
How Long Does Naltrexone Stay in Your System?
Naltrexone’s metabolites can remain in your system for an extended period, typically around 5-10 days, although this can be longer in certain cases. Various factors, including the dosage, frequency of use, and individual’s health, age, and metabolic rate, affect this duration.
How We Incorporate Naltrexone into Our Atlanta Addiction Treatment Programs
We incorporate Naltrexone treatment into our various levels of care programs along with other types of medication-assisted treatment.
Here’s how we integrate Naltrexone treatment into these programs:
Our Partial Hospitalization Program is a highly structured program designed for individuals who require a level of care just below residential treatment. Within this framework, we introduce Naltrexone as a key component of our medication-assisted treatment plan.
Patients stepping down from the PHP or those who need substantial support but require more flexibility often move into our Intensive Outpatient Program. Naltrexone remains a cornerstone of treatment as patients begin to reintegrate into their daily lives.
Our Outpatient rehab program provides ongoing support for patients as they return to their everyday routines. The flexibility of this program allows individuals to maintain their professional and personal lives while receiving the support they need.
Begin Medication-Assisted Treatment in Atlanta Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the path to recovery may seem overwhelming. However, there is hope. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs combined with holistic therapeutic approaches, can help you or your loved one find a stabe, solid path to recovery.
Our Medication-Assisted Treatment program uses FDA-approved medications, comprehensive behavioral therapy, and personalized support services, providing a multi-faceted approach to treat substance use disorders. By alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings, medication-assisted treatment creates a stable platform from which you can engage more fully in the recovery process.
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Did you know most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs associated with our program? Click below to find out your coverage and treatment options for our mental health facilities in Atlanta.
