Naltrexone, also known as Vivitrol, is a prescription medication used to treat alcohol use disorders as well as opioid dependence. Naltrexone works to stop cravings and is typically introduced into treatment after the initial withdrawal phase. You must have completed at least one week of withdrawal prior to starting naltrexone. Naltrexone is used as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program and administered in both oral forms and as an injectable medication.
Vivitrol is the injectable form of naltrexone and is long-lasting given just once per month. At Fusion Recovery, the goal for our clients is sustained recovery. We believe that maintenance treatment along with therapy helps our clients stay in recovery.
Benefits of using naltrexone as a treatment for addiction:
Stops effects of alcohol and opioid addiction.
Reduces opioid and alcohol cravings.
Blocks euphoric feeling of substances.
How does naltrexone treat alcohol and opioid addiction?
Naltrexone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol addiction. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works to prevent the “high” effect of opioids or alcohol and decreases the craving to use. When combined with an addiction treatment program, naltrexone is an effective form of treatment. It is important to continue attending therapy sessions, support groups, and your outpatient treatment program. While naltrexone does not relieve or prevent withdrawal symptoms, it does work in blocking the effects of drug and alcohol dependence.
Naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric feeling or the satisfaction you get from using opioids or alcohol. If you relapse during your recovery, Naltrexone helps your body to stop associating these substances with reward or pleasure. Instead, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and pain. Unlike other drugs used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), naltrexone does not activate the body’s opioid receptors, therefore there is no potential for abuse.
Naltrexone for alcohol addiction:
- Prevents the feeling of intoxication.
- Reduces the craving for alcohol.
- Lowers the relapse rate.
Naltrexone for opioid addiction:
- Blocks opioids from binding to the brain’s opioid receptors.
- Helps to prevent relapse.
- Promotes long-term sobriety.
Studies have shown that naltrexone treatment for opioid addiction reduced opioid cravings by 55%.
Suboxone maintenance treatment can help you remain on the right path in recovery. While Suboxone is a great start to treatment, at Fusion Recovery we believe that sustainable recovery takes more than that. With the compassion, support, and guidance of our experienced team, we offer therapy and treatment services that are the foundation of our program. We aim to help you uncover the root problem of your addiction and help you heal your inner wounds. Once you better understand your addiction, we can help you prevent relapse and free yourself from addiction.
Naltrexone is a safe and effective treatment option for opiate addiction and alcohol use disorder. If you have questions about our program or would like to learn more about Fusion Recovery and our naltrexone medication-assisted treatment program, please reach out to us! Our staff is on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
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