Naltrexone can be a powerful ally in a person’s addiction recovery. This medication can help to reduce cravings and reinforces the commitment to abstinence from alcohol or other drugs. Naltrexone treatment and management is one of the compassionate treatment services offered at Outreach Recovery. Our team provides medical management with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using naltrexone to patients who could benefit from the drug.
In addition to providing medical care for naltrexone treatment, our team provides comprehensive therapy services. We understand the importance of addressing underlying issues that often contribute to addiction or relapse. Contact us at 888.897.9284 to learn about our treatment services and how we utilize naltrexone in our care.
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication used primarily in the treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. It comes as either an oral pill or shot, with 50mg doses being taken once per day on average. However, some patients may need more than one dose throughout their treatment regimen depending on what works best for them personally. It can also be injected if injectable forms are prescribed at 380 mg total strength every month.
It works by blocking the euphoric and sedative effects of drugs such as heroin, morphine, or codeine. It works differently than other opioid medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine, which are used to treat addiction by replacing the drug of misuse. Instead, naltrexone works by blocking receptors in the brain that opioids attach to. This decreases cravings and blocks the rewarding effect associated with using the drug.
What Is Naltrexone Treatment?
Naltrexone treatment involves this medication as part of a comprehensive treatment program for drug misuse. This program includes elements such as:
- Counseling – This involves individual and group therapy sessions to help someone learn how to cope with their addiction, develop a relapse prevention plan, and identify triggers for substance use.
- Behavioral therapies – These approaches help individuals build skills to cope with cravings and overcome their addiction to alcohol or opioids.
- Support groups – Connecting with others in recovery can provide motivation, understanding, and practical advice for staying sober.
- Lifestyle changes – Incorporating healthy habits into daily life, such as exercise and good nutrition, can help support long-term recovery.
Naltrexone alone is not an effective treatment for substance misuse. It is important to receive counseling and support while taking this medication to fully benefit from its effects. Naltrexone is primarily used to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It can help people who have stopped drinking alcohol or using opioids to prevent relapse and maintain their recovery. It has also been found effective in treating other types of substance use disorders in some cases.
How Naltrexone Contributes to Recovery
Naltrexone plays a crucial role in the recovery process by:
Reducing Cravings
Naltrexone helps to decrease the desire to use alcohol or opioids, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery.
Blocking the Effects of Alcohol and Opioids
By blocking the euphoric and intoxicating effects of these substances, Naltrexone makes their use less appealing.
Supporting Abstinence
Through reducing cravings and blocking the effects of substances, Naltrexone supports individuals in maintaining abstinence and sticking to their recovery plan.
Enhancing Counseling and Therapy
By helping to manage physical cravings, Naltrexone allows individuals to better engage in counseling and therapy, which are critical components of recovery.
Discover a Healthier Life at Outreach Recovery
Embark on your journey to wellness with Outreach Recovery. Our Naltrexone treatment program is designed to provide you with the support and tools you need to overcome addiction and reclaim control over your life. Reach out to us today at 888.897.9284 to learn more about how we can help you heal from substance misuse.