Naltrexone is a prescription medication that is often used in the treatment of opioid or alcohol addiction. Thousands of Americans each day face the serious side effects of substance use disorders which can significantly impact a person’s life physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. When you are in the midst of a drug or alcohol addiction, there are often common concerns and hesitations about seeking addiction treatment due to the potential of serious or severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you quit taking drugs and alcohol. Addiction treatment programs of medication assisted treatment will provide patients with the opportunity to safely heal from the physical dependence to drugs and alcohol with the support of medications including Naltrexone.
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a prescription medication that is designed to support patients in safely overcoming our drug and alcohol addiction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved naltrexone for the use of treating patients in overcoming an opioid addiction or alcohol addiction. Naltrexone comes in a pill format under the brand name of ReVia and Depade that can be taken at 50mg a day. There is an injectable drug format under the brand name of Vivitrol which is administered by injecting into your intramuscular once a month at a dose of 380mg. Naltrexone can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare professional who identifies a patient’s need to safely overcome an addiction to opioids and alcohol. Before beginning naltrexone treatment, patients are encouraged to quit drugs and alcohol 7 days prior to you starting naltrexone treatment.
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Naltrexone Effects
When you take naltrexone, it works to block the euphoric and sedative effects of drugs and alcohol. Unlike other opioid treatment medications, naltrexone does not activate the opioid receptors in the brain. Instead it works to bind and block the opioid receptors which works to reduce any severe opioid cravings. If an individual engages in alcohol abuse or opioid abuse while taking naltrexone, individuals won’t be able to feel the effects of drugs and alcohol which acts as a strong method of relapse prevention for those in early addiction recovery.
Signs of Naltrexone Abuse and Addiction
Because Naltrexone is an addiction treatment medication that is typically used with the careful supervision and guidance of medical professionals, there is little to no risk that individuals will develop an addiction to naltrexone. The main effects of naltrexone are to block the euphoric effects of drugs and alcohol rather than produce any feelings of getting high.
Naltrexone Withdrawal Symptoms
Like any other medication, naltrexone can run the risk of creating side effects and symptoms that can impact your mental health or body functioning. Although naltrexone is not physically addictive, the use of this prescription drug can cause side effects within a person including:
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Body aches and pains
- Nervousness or onset of anxiety
Long-Term Side Effects of Naltrexone Abuse
Naltrexone is a safe, FDA approved medication that is used within a medication assisted treatment program. While patients will often find there are little to no side effects, there is potential in some rare cases that individuals can experience long term side effects including:
- Liver damage
- Muscle stiffness
- Increase in white blood cells
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Unusual tiredness or fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hypersensitivity to drugs
Naltrexone Addiction Treatment
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we provide patients with an individualized treatment program that is centered around your individual needs and goals for addiction recovery. Patients that are living with a severe opioid addiction or alcohol addiction that are looking to heal from the pains of substance abuse and enter into a life of sober living but require additional support throughout drug and alcohol detox and treatment programs will be supported through medication assisted treatment (MAT) program. Patients will be provided with ongoing support and guidance as you participate in the addiction treatment process with the support of medications including naltrexone. Our team will be with you every step of the way as you heal from your substance use disorders and start on your new road to recovery.
Our Naltrexone addiction treatment center provides comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment through a multitude of Naltrexone addiction treatment programs and addiction therapy services. Upon your admission into a Naltrexone addiction treatment center, our addiction treatment professionals will determine the unique underlying mental health conditions that cause your addiction to Naltrexone. Our addiction therapy services and addiction treatment programs in California include:
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
- 12 Step Recovery Program
- Smart recovery
- Virtual Therapy