For individuals or their loved ones grappling with the immense challenges of compulsive drinking or opioid use, finding a path forward can feel overwhelming. In the landscape of modern addiction medicine, a medication known as naltrexone offers a powerful and effective tool that may be prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This medication is specifically designed to support people who are recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) or opioid use disorder (OUD).
This guide will help you understand what is naltrexone and how it functions as part of a tailored treatment strategy. We will explore its uses, discuss how it works to support sobriety, and provide information on finding a treatment path that is right for you.
What Is Naltrexone and What Does it Do?
Naltrexone is a medication that may be administered in a few different ways, providing flexibility for individuals in recovery. It is available as a daily oral medication in a pill form or as an injectable solution. A popular brand name formulation is Vivitrol—an extended-release, intramuscular injection administered once every four weeks.
At its core, naltrexone works by acting as a powerful blocking agent at opioid receptors throughout the brain. Think of the brain’s opioid receptors as locks and natural feel-good chemicals, like endorphins, as the keys that fit into them. Opioids and alcohol, when consumed, mimic these keys and fit into the locks, triggering a cascade of rewarding feelings. Naltrexone, however, is a key that fits into the lock but gets stuck, preventing the other keys from entering. By blocking these receptors, it effectively removes the rewarding effects of opioids and alcohol, which in turn helps to reduce cravings and minimize the reinforcement that drives continued use of these substances.
How Naltrexone Treats Addiction
Naltrexone for alcohol or opioid addiction can be a highly effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals struggling with AUD and/or OUD. It works by supporting a person’s sobriety in two key ways: by managing intense cravings and by reducing the rewarding effects associated with opioid or alcohol use. The goal is to provide a period of stability and relief from the chemical compulsions of addiction so a person can focus on the deeper therapeutic work that is essential for long-term recovery.
An individualized treatment plan that includes naltrexone for alcohol or opioid use disorders should ideally include additional components such as counseling and behavioral therapies. These therapies address the underlying issues that contributed to the addiction in the first place, providing a person with the coping skills and emotional support they need for a sustained recovery. The medication provides the physical stability, and the therapy provides the emotional and psychological tools. When used together, they provide the optimal chance of lasting sobriety.
How Naltrexone Helps with Opioid Use Disorder
Naltrexone for opioid use disorder is designed to prevent a person from returning to opioid use after a period of abstinence. It is crucial to understand that a person must be opioid-free before starting naltrexone to avoid precipitating severe and rapid withdrawal symptoms. A person must have not used any short-acting opioids for at least 7–10 days and long-acting opioids for at least 10–14 days.
Because the medication has no potential for misuse and does not cause any opioid-like effects itself, naltrexone addiction is not a concern. It is a non-addictive medication that works to combat addiction. By blocking the euphoric and rewarding effects of opioids, naltrexone may also help mitigate the powerful cravings for opioids. This means that if a person in recovery consistently takes naltrexone, they are more likely to maintain abstinence and stay on a path of sobriety. It is a powerful shield against the physical reward system that drives opioid addiction.
How Naltrexone Helps with Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone for AUD works by helping to reduce heavy drinking and alcohol consumption, the number of heavy drinking days, and the intense cravings for alcohol. When a person uses alcohol, it triggers the release of endorphins, which in turn bind to the brain’s opioid receptors to create a feeling of pleasure. By blocking these receptors, naltrexone takes the “reward” out of drinking.
The medication is prescribed in two formulations for AUD: oral naltrexone is taken once per day, while the injectable, sustained-release formulation is provided only to those who can refrain from drinking for several days before they start using it. The oral dose provides a daily reminder and a physical block, while the injectable form offers a month-long shield against the rewarding effects of alcohol, which can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with consistency.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Naltrexone?
Deciding whether to use naltrexone is a choice that should be made in close consultation with a medical professional.
People who may be good candidates for naltrexone for AUD include those who:
- Are medically stable: A person must be in good physical health to ensure the medication is safe and effective.
- Are not in acute alcohol withdrawal: Naltrexone is not a treatment for acute withdrawal and should only be started once a person has stabilized.
- Can refrain from drinking for several days before treatment: This ensures the medication can work effectively without being complicated by active alcohol use.
- Experience intense alcohol cravings: The medication is particularly useful for those who feel powerless against their cravings.
- Have co-occurring OUD: Naltrexone can be an effective treatment for both conditions, which is common.
- Have a family history of AUD: A person’s genetics can make them more susceptible to addiction, and Naltrexone can help mitigate this.
People who may be suitable for naltrexone for OUD include those who:
- Have completed detox: This is a crucial step to avoid precipitating severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening.
- Have abstained from opioids for a specific period: A person must have abstained from short-acting opioids for at least 7–10 days and long-acting opioids for at least 10–14 days.
- Do not have severe liver impairments: The medication is processed by the liver, and severe liver issues can make it unsafe to use.
Struggling? Our Team is Here to Listen and Guide You.
The decision to seek help for addiction is one of the most important you will ever make. Our compassionate admissions team at Hope Harbor Wellness is here 24/7 to offer non-judgmental support and guidance. Many of our staff are in recovery themselves and truly understand the complexities of what you are going through. Whether you are ready to begin treatment or just need to gather information and have questions about how naltrexone works, we are here to guide you every step of the way. You are never alone when you reach out to us.
Effectiveness of Naltrexone for Substance Use Disorders
The effectiveness of naltrexone as a treatment tool can depend on several factors, including a person’s commitment to the program and the presence of any other co-occurring conditions. However, it is generally viewed as an effective treatment, particularly when it is combined with behavioral therapies and counseling.
Some of the key benefits of naltrexone uses for addiction include the following:
- Reduces cravings for opioids/alcohol: By blocking the rewarding effects of these substances, the medication helps to silence the intense, relentless cravings that often drive a person to relapse.
- Can be as effective as other medications: Naltrexone can be as effective as buprenorphine for treatment retention and decreased illicit opioid use, particularly for those who do not wish to be on an opioid agonist.
- Safe with few side effects: The medication is generally well-tolerated by most people and has a low risk of serious side effects.
- Enhances the effectiveness of behavioral therapies: When a person is not distracted by intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, they are better able to engage in and benefit from counseling and therapy.
- Can be used alongside other non-opioid medications: The medication does not interact with many other non-opioid medications, which is an important consideration for people with co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.
- Can be stopped abruptly: Unlike some other medications used to treat addiction, naltrexone can be stopped abruptly without a tapering schedule, providing a degree of flexibility.
- Can be taken for long periods: If a person finds that the medication is helpful for their recovery, they can continue to take it for long periods without any long-term negative effects.
Is Naltrexone Addictive?
No. Naltrexone is not addictive and has no potential for misuse. This is one of its most significant benefits as a medication for addiction treatment. Unlike opioid agonist medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine, naltrexone does not activate opioid receptors and therefore does not produce a euphoric high. This means a person cannot get “high” on the medication. Its sole purpose is to act as a blocker, making it a safe and non-addictive tool for supporting recovery.
Side Effects of Naltrexone
As with any medication, naltrexone may have certain side effects, but it is generally well-tolerated by most people. Understanding the potential side effects of naltrexone is an important part of a fully informed treatment plan.
The most common naltrexone side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sedation or feeling tired
- Sleep changes, including insomnia or vivid dreams
- Injection site reactions (for the extended-release injectable form)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Headaches
- A feeling of anxiousness
For those who are concerned about naltrexone weight loss, there is some evidence that the medication can affect appetite and a person’s metabolism, but this is a less common side effect. Any changes in weight should be discussed with a medical professional.
Naltrexone Precautions
There are certain considerations and precautions to keep in mind before a person begins taking naltrexone. A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the medication is safe and appropriate.
- Decreased Opioid Tolerance: A person’s opioid tolerance may decrease while taking naltrexone. This is a crucial point because if a person discontinues the medication or misses a dose and then relapses to using opioids, they are at a much higher risk of a fatal overdose.
- Liver Health: Extended-release naltrexone may be associated with liver inflammation. Use may be contraindicated in people with pre-existing liver issues, and a medical professional will monitor a person’s liver function during treatment.
- Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Naltrexone may be contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, and a full discussion with a doctor is required to weigh the risks and benefits.
Finding the Right Drug Rehab in Atlanta for You
Medications for AUD or OUD can be a crucial part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program, helping people start and stay on the path to recovery. Hope Harbor Wellness is a leading provider of individualized, evidence-based drug rehab in Atlanta. Many of our treatment programs offer medications for addiction treatment, and we can help you find the right program for your needs. We believe that recovery is possible for everyone, and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
Your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life is waiting. Hope Harbor Wellness is a leading drug rehab in Atlanta, dedicated to helping you find the right treatment for your needs. You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to our compassionate team at 770-573-9546 or fill out our online contact form today to learn more about how we can support you.
Naltrexone Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dosages of naltrexone for alcohol use disorder?
The oral dose is typically a 50 mg tablet taken once per day. The injectable, extended-release form is administered as a 380 mg intramuscular shot once every four weeks by a medical professional.
How long should you stay on naltrexone?
The duration of treatment with naltrexone varies from person to person. Some people stay on the medication for a few months to help them establish a foundation for recovery, while others continue to take it for a year or more. The length of treatment should always be decided in consultation with a medical professional.
What happens if you drink on naltrexone?
If you drink alcohol while on naltrexone, you will not experience the usual rewarding, euphoric effects of alcohol. You may still feel the effects of intoxication, such as impaired motor skills, but the pleasurable feelings will be significantly blunted.
What happens if you take opioids on naltrexone?
If you take opioids while on naltrexone, the medication will block the rewarding effects of the opioid, and you will not experience the euphoric high. Because of this, using opioids while on the medication is often an ineffective and dangerous waste of money.
What is naltrexone used for?
Naltrexone uses include the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) as part of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes therapy and counseling.
Is naltrexone safe?
Yes, naltrexone is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it is not suitable for everyone and should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional who has thoroughly assessed a person’s medical history.
Can naltrexone help with weight loss?
While some people who take naltrexone have reported changes in their appetite and weight, it is not approved for weight loss. Any weight changes should be discussed with a doctor, as there may be other underlying causes.
