Naltrexone

What is Naltrexone?

Often considered a heroin blocker, naltrexone actually blocks the effects of all sorts of opiates. It works by binding to some of the drug receptors in your brain, preventing opiates from attaching. In this way, it prevents opiate drugs from having their usual effect.

Naltrexone is not a cure for addiction but by preventing you from getting your usual high, it can help you break the cycle of drug use. Studies have shown that naltrexone can reduce cravings, prevent relapse and help people remain drug-free. Naltrexone is not habit-forming and has mild and rare side effects.

How do I take Naltrexone?

Naltrexone can be taken orally in a tablet form or administered through an implant.

Tablets

We recommend that you take a daily 50mg dose of Naltrexone for 12 months after leaving the programme. Many patients receive ongoing prescriptions via their GP; Detox 5 can assist you in this regard.

Implants

As an alternative to tablets, a small implant can be placed under your skin. This implant will release controlled amounts of naltrexone into your body over the course of three months. With the implant, there is no need to worry about remembering your daily tablet.

If you choose to get the implant, a minor surgical procedure will be performed before you leave the hospital. A 2.5cm incision will be made on the front of your hip bone, the implant inserted, and the wound closed with three or four stitches. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and takes less than an hour to perform. You will be ready to leave the hospital within two hours of the procedure.

We recommend that you have another implant three months after the first one. After the first six months, you can elect to have a further implant or choose to switch to naltrexone tablets. Either way, we recommend patients take naltrexone for at least 12 months after discharge.

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