Opioid addiction is a long-term illness that affects relationships, work, and general health. But with the assistance of Naltrexone, a safe and effective drug, individuals can reclaim control over their lives.
Envision a life without ever-present opioid craving or risk of relapse. That reality can become a possibility with the support of a healthcare provider and an individualized treatment plan.
At Buckeye Recovery Network, we provide a full recovery support system. That is everything from outpatient treatment to partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and successful therapies, all complemented by vital medications such as Naltrexone. Having these resources at their command, individuals can begin recovering.
Defining Naltrexone
Naltrexone is FDA-approved to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and alcohol addiction. It blocks opioid action, such as heroin, morphine, and fentanyl. Naltrexone is not habit-forming like methadone or buprenorphine since it contains no opioids.
Naltrexone works by binding to opioid receptors, which helps block the usual effects. It supports individuals in reducing cravings and staying away from the substance. Use only Naltrexone under the care of a physician because of side effects and the requirement for professional assessment.
Naltrexone has proved to be successful in trials. With behavior therapy, the patients gain significantly. Patients who are injected with Naltrexone are more likely to be drug-free and have fewer opioids than patients given placebo injections. This offers evidence for the treatment of addiction in substance abuse patients with Naltrexone.
How Does Naltrexone Work?
When taken as prescribed, Naltrexone helps reduce cravings for opioids, blocks the effects of opioids making relapse less rewarding, and supports long-term abstinence from opioid use. The medication creates a protective barrier against the rewarding effects of prescription drugs and illicit substances, fundamentally altering the brain’s response to opioids.
Naltrexone is typically used after a person has fully detoxed from opioids, usually requiring 7-10 days opioid-free, to avoid triggering withdrawal symptoms. This timing is crucial because administering Naltrexone too early can precipitate severe withdrawal reactions. Our medical team at Buckeye Recovery Network carefully monitors this transition period to ensure patient safety and comfort.
The medication works by occupying the same brain receptors that opioids target, essentially blocking their access. This mechanism means that even if someone attempts to use opioids while on Naltrexone, they will not experience the typical euphoric effects, removing the primary motivation for continued use.
Is Naltrexone Addictive?
The most wonderful thing about naltrexone is that it is not addictive. The patient will never be physically dependent on it, which is wonderful for patients who have issues of abuse.
The patient can withdraw from naltrexone and will experience no symptoms of withdrawal. This is in contrast to most other Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT), where patients have historically had to taper doses, which can be painful and inconvenient.
The non-addictive nature of naltrexone is a welcome respite to patients with substance abuse disorders who are afraid to make themselves addicted to another substance. Unlike other opioid drugs, whose action is through activating opioid receptors to suppress craving, naltrexone works differently.
It does not stimulate these receptors, reducing the potential for abuse, misuse, or diversion. Naltrexone is therefore a better option for compliant patients who can leave their addiction behind without sacrificing control of treatment.
Forms of Naltrexone
Naltrexone is prescribed for the treatment of opioid dependence and alcohol dependence. Naltrexone is typically taken in tablet form daily or as an injectable formulation, Vivitrol, once a month. Naltrexone must be taken daily; missing doses can result in the loss of its effect and relapse.
The injection is a great choice for anyone who forgets to take a pill daily. It offers a slow release of the medication with a single easy injection every month!
At Buckeye Recovery Network, our physicians work closely with clients to identify their specific needs and goals. This allows us to identify the most appropriate options for treatment. Injectable naltrexone improves treatment success by removing the necessity of daily dosing, simplifying it, and breaking the barrier of dose forgetting in the recovery process.
Having a monthly injection also makes treatment easier, as the same dose of naltrexone is received each month, which is required for opiate blockage. Research indicates that people who stay in treatment have better long-term recovery. This is an indication of how naltrexone can work effectively to assist recovery, especially if the treatment is individually designed to meet recovery goals.
Naltrexone and Gabapentin
Naltrexone and gabapentin combinations are sometimes prescribed as part of comprehensive treatment plans. Some clients may be prescribed both medications, as Gabapentin can help manage anxiety, mood instability, and sleep disturbances during early recovery. The two medications can complement each other but should only be used under close medical supervision.
Gabapentin’s ability to stabilize mood and reduce anxiety can be particularly beneficial during the early stages of recovery when individuals are adjusting to life without opioids. When combined with Naltrexone’s blocking effects, this dual approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction recovery.
Our team at Buckeye Recovery Network ensures safe, integrated care tailored to each individual, carefully monitoring any medication combinations to optimize therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects.
Naltrexone vs. Phentermine
People often ask about naltrexone vs phentermine, as both can be used in combination therapies for weight management. However, they serve very different primary purposes. Naltrexone treats Opioid Use Disorder and alcohol dependence, while Phentermine is a stimulant used for short-term weight loss.
At Buckeye Recovery Network, we use Naltrexone exclusively to support addiction recovery—never for weight loss purposes. This focused approach ensures that treatment remains centered on addressing the underlying addiction rather than secondary concerns that may arise during recovery.
The Advantages of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Why Should Naltrexone Be Your Rehab Strategy?
Naltrexone is a valuable tool for opioid use disorder recovery with numerous advantages for recovering addicts. As a non-addictive drug, it has no chances of dependence, and patients can concentrate on rehab without fear of addiction formation.
Naltrexone has a very strong safety record and is an opioid receptor-blocker, making relapse not possible by blocking feelings associated with use that are pleasurable, thereby snuffing out cravings. It also comes in a monthly injectable form, so treatment is easy to follow and helps recovery.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Naltrexone's Effectiveness
Several studies confirm that Naltrexone is even more effective when used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapy. Patients who use this combined modality are likely to have greater rates of completion and longer abstinence durations compared to patients administered medication or therapy separately. This combination demonstrates how much difference the entire person type of treatment can make in opioid use disorder treatment.
Long-Term Sobriety with Naltrexone
Naltrexone and counseling dramatically enhance the long-term potential for sobriety. Naltrexone is like an insurance policy during those slippery times, helping the individual overcome those nagging opioid cravings. Patients, thanks to such counseling, learn healthy coping habits and reconstruct their lives, the key to lasting recovery.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Naltrexone works best for individuals who have completed opioid detox, are committed to abstinence, and are motivated to engage in a comprehensive recovery program. Successful candidates typically demonstrate readiness for change and willingness to participate in ongoing therapeutic support.
If you’re wondering whether Naltrexone is right for you, our naltrexone doctors at Buckeye Recovery Network will conduct a thorough assessment and guide you through the decision-making process. This evaluation includes medical history review, current health status assessment, and discussion of treatment goals and expectations.
The assessment process also considers factors such as previous treatment history, support system availability, and individual risk factors that might influence treatment success. Our medical team takes a personalized approach to ensure that Naltrexone is the most appropriate choice for each client’s unique circumstances.
The Role of Naltrexone in Buckeye Recovery Network's Treatment Ecosystem
We utilize Naltrexone as part of Opioid Use Disorder treatment at Buckeye Recovery Network. Flexible, client-focused care for daily living is available through our Outpatient Treatment. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a daytime, intensive program with no overnight stay, ideal for individuals transitioning from residential treatment or new admissions.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is even capable of scheduling therapy sessions around school or work obligations, and our Evening IOP has flexible scheduling. MAT Services provides Medication-Assisted Treatment under the supervision of our trained medical team.
We blend evidence-based treatments of CBT, DBT, and EMDR with medication-assisted treatment to treat Opioid and Opiate Addiction. Our treatment model realizes that recovery is physical, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Our treatment is based on individualized care because we understand that everyone has their own unique way of recovering. With multiple levels of care and different therapies, we customize the treatment to cater to the evolving needs of our clients on the path to recovery.
Don't Let Addiction Hold You Back – Call Us for Help
Naltrexone is a potent medication for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder, inducing long-lasting craving to use opioids despite their harmfulness. It alleviates craving and withdrawal, especially if given as part of an effective treatment program that will fix the psychological and social issues of addiction.
At Buckeye Recovery Network, we know that recovery is overwhelming. We are here to assist you and your family through the counsel that is yours by right. Our individualized treatment ensures that you receive attention allocated to your individual needs.
If you’d like to learn how Naltrexone can be incorporated into your recovery plan or if you’d like more information about our other treatments, please call us today. We are dedicated to assisting you in starting your recovery and to enjoying a full life without addiction. Your future is promising, and we can help make it even more promising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and preventing the euphoric effects of opioids.
No, Naltrexone is not addictive and does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, in some cases. Our medical team carefully supervises the combined use of Naltrexone and Gabapentin to ensure safe, effective treatment.
Naltrexone treats addiction, while Phentermine is a weight loss medication. They serve entirely different purposes.
At Buckeye Recovery Network in Huntington Beach, CA, our experienced team of Naltrexone doctors provides expert, compassionate care for individuals recovering from Opioids and Opiate Addiction.
