What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication used to treat opioid dependence and certain types of alcohol abuse disorder. It is used in combination with psychotherapy and other medications to help treat addiction by decreasing cravings and the urge to use drugs or alcohol. Naltrexone works by blocking the pleasurable feeling associated with substance abuse, helping to reduce relapse for people with a substance use disorder. Naltrexone has also been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence and can help reduce the urge to drink, as well as reducing the amount of alcohol consumed when drinking does occur.

How Does Naltrexone Work?

Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol on the brain. It is an antagonist, meaning that it binds to opioid and alcohol receptors in the brain and blocks them from being activated. This interrupts the pleasurable sensations that people normally experience when using these substances, making it less enjoyable and potentially reducing the urge to continue using. Naltrexone also blocks the pleasurable feelings that can occur when drinking alcohol, and has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for alcohol dependence and to help reduce heavy drinking.

Benefits of Naltrexone

Naltrexone can be a powerful tool in fighting substance abuse and dependence. It is a relatively safe drug with few side effects, it can help reduce cravings, decrease the amount of alcohol consumed, and reduce the urge to use drugs or alcohol. It has also been used for longer-term addiction treatment and can help people stay in recovery for the long-term. Additionally, naltrexone is available in both pill and injection form, making it easy to stick with a treatment regimen.

Overall, naltrexone is a valuable tool for helping reduce the urge to use drugs and alcohol and staying in recovery. It can be used alongside other forms of therapy and other medications to boost effectiveness and build a more solid foundation for recovery.