With the opioid crisis damaging more and more lives year after year, researchers are continually trying to find the answer. Preventative measures are significant for the long-term, but trying to solve this problem today, we need to look for solutions for people currently suffering from addiction. Counseling and therapy are suitable measures to help these types of people, but unfortunately, there are little standard procedures in the industry, leading to significant gaps in success rates. What many treatment centers do to help gain an edge on addiction is using medication alongside counseling and therapy. This method has been proven to be more successful.
Let’s take a look at the most popular medication used during treatment: Naltrexone.
What is it?
Naltrexone is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat both alcohol and opioid addictions. This type of medication works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. This mitigates the euphoric effects of opiates like heroin or painkillers. So, when someone attempts to get high off of these drugs, they will not feel the desired effects; therefore the need to become high is reduced. Because Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, instead of activating them like other common addiction medications, an individual cannot become high – therefore it cannot be abused. This is why Naltrexone has become one of the more popular options for opioid or alcohol dependence and addiction. It is important to note that Naltrexone does not alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or sleep disturbances. For this reason, Naltrexone is usually used alongside treatment after the individual’s withdrawal symptoms have subsided. Thus, it is a tool to help those going through recovery and not a quick-fix solution to substance abuse.
Forms of Naltrexone
Pill– The oral form of the medication that was the first form of the drug. The pill form comes in brands such as ReVia and Depade and is usually taken at 50 mg daily. But there’s a problem with the pill approach. Naltrexone works because if an individual tries to get high (while on Naltrexone), they can’t. If you can’t get high, there is no use taking the drug in the first place. That is why this method works. But, if all you need to do to get high is skip your daily prescription, chances are the pill wouldn’t be taken very regularly. Since many of the people who use drugs tend to forget to take the daily dose or intentionally refuse with the purpose of achieving a high, researchers created newer/more reliable forms. Injectable – The injectable extended-release form of naltrexone is called Vivitrol. This most common form of admission is administered once-a-month at 380 mg. This monthly injection decreases compliance issues the pill had. It is important to note that before starting Vivitrol, patients must be opioid-free for a minimum of 7-14 days. Otherwise, sudden opioid withdrawal may occur. Naltrexone Subcutaneous Pellet/Implant – Surgically implantable pellets are the newest forms of Naltrexone. This method consists of a small biodegradable pellet inserted in the lower abdomen. After this initial 15-20 minute procedure, the pellet slowly releases the medication over a five-month period. This method decreases compliant issues even further, but unlike the other two methods, the implantable pellets are still under FDA review.
Effectiveness
Naltrexone is not a “cure” for addiction. Naltrexone may not even work for everyone, but studies have shown it improves the chances towards long-term recovery. It has shown to reduce relapses as well as reducing the “bounce-back” time after relapse. Naltrexone works exceptionally well when paired with therapies like coping skills therapy (CBT) and supportive therapies like 12-step.
Side Effects
A select few may experience adverse effects to the drug. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider or substance misuse treatment practitioner to adjust the dose or change the medication before they stop taking the medication. Side effects can include: Upset stomach or vomiting Diarrhea A headache Nervousness Sleep problems/tiredness Joint or muscle pain Seek a healthcare provider right away for: Liver injury: Naltrexone may cause liver injury. Seek an evaluation if you have symptoms and or signs of liver disease. Injection site reactions: This may occur from the injectable naltrexone. Seek evaluation for worsening skin reactions. Allergic pneumonia: It may cause allergic pneumonia. Seek evaluation for signs and symptoms of pneumonia.
Summary
Naltrexone is one of the most widely used drugs to combat opioid and alcohol abuse and dependence. Methadone and Buprenorphine are common medications involved in Medically Assisted treatment, but addiction treatment centers like Coalition Recovery prefer Naltrexone because of its low abuse level. We especially like the injectable version since it decreases compliant issues usually associated with medications. Many individuals like the injectable version (Vivitrol) because it is convenient and worry-free. Naltrexone may not be the “cure-all,” and it might not work with everyone. But that is because this medication is only a tool. Just because you might miss the nail doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use the hammer. Call us today at (888) 707-2873 to find out if you qualify for Naltrexone Treatment. Coalition Recovery is a drug addiction rehab located in Tampa, Fl. We have continued to improve our program to meet the highest standards and advance our treatment model to carry the most advanced methods to treat addiction. We understand the importance and effectiveness of Medically Assisted Treatment and will use every tool we can to ensure your success. We can help you get your life back. Take back your life TODAY! Click Here!
