Naltrexone for Heroin Addiction

Why Naltrexone? 

Naltrexone for heroin addiction is an evidence-based treatment option that may help prevent relapse.

Used after detox it is a powerful tool in the toolkit for recovery. It is an adjunctive treatment that runs alongside your commitment to recovery.

Naltrexone for heroin addiction can be very effective if you work at your recovery, use the aftercare provided by your rehab centre and continue with recovery meetings.

It is not a magic cure and can not be relied upon, by itself, to keep you on a trajectory of recovery.

Naltrexone is a tool in the tool kit. No tool is a one size fits all.

For some struggling with heroin addiction, Naltrexone can play a vital part in their ongoing recovery. It is also useful for alcohol recovery.

Naltrexone

How does Naltrexone work? 

When you take heroin, same as you drink alcohol, take medication and drink coffee, receptors in the brain are activated.

One of two things happen: Chemical channels are opened or closed (or partially opened or closed).

In the case of opioids/heroin chemical channels are opened up leading to a release of naturally occurring chemicals.

This chemical release is what gives pain relief and a feeling of euphoria and pleasure.

Naltrexone sits on the opioid receptors and thus the opioids do not activate the chemical channels as they would do if the naltrexone was not there.

This means that, if you take your usual dose of opioids, you will not experience the same effects as you used to.

Naltrexone

How does it work?  

Like all prescribed medication, some people will experience some side effects. Most people will not have any problems when they take it. Some of the most common side effects are:

Insomnia

Naltrexone

Test dose and dosing levels

Sometimes known as tolerance test, half a tablet (25MG) is given on the first day to see if you have any sensitivity to Naltrexone.

The normal daily dose is 50MG. You can take it, in divided doses, three days a week as long as you don't exceed 350MG a week.

There is no clinical benefit in taking more.

Naltrexone

Precautions   

Naltrexone stops opioids from being effective.

This is why you are taking it. In the event that you need pain relief because of a medical emergency/accident or chronic condition you need to let the healthcare professional looking after you that you are taking Naltrexone.

Taking Naltrexone does not mean you can not be treated with opioids, it just means the type and amount will need to be adjusted.

It is sensible to carry a Naltrexone information card so that ambulance and medical staff are aware. Having the medication on your person makes this even easier.

Should you need pain relief for example, a broken leg, you will need to take specialist advice before re-commencing Naltrexone.

Moreover, Naltrexone for heroin addiction should only be restarted after guidance from clinical staff.

Naltrexone

Does Naltrexone work for Heroin addiction? 

Yes: If you use Naltrexone in tandem with ongoing recovery work it can be very useful.

No: If all you do is take Naltrexone and don't go to meetings and/or continue with the aftercare provided by your rehab.

It is licenced for use , in the UK, as an adjunct to underlying psychological work.

While  a nice idea,you  can't come out of rehab, take a tablet and your addiction is cured. Sadly, life doesn't work like that.

Naltrexone

When can I start Naltrexone for Heroin Addiction?    

Usually, ten days after your last opioid use.

Naltrexone for heroin addiction can start once withdrawal is complete. To ensure it is safe you might be given half a tablet (25MG) to see if you go into withdrawal.

In rehab, as soon as you finish your substitute prescription (Methadone/Buprenorphine).

You can not have Naltrexone if you are taking Buvidal (injectable Buprenorphine) and  may need blood tests for liver enzymes. Your clinician will advise you.

 Pregnant women can, theoretically, take Naltrexone but should only do so after consulting their clinician.

Naltrexone

Getting a precription 

In the UK, all statutory drug and alcohol services are provided through your local council.

The service can be contracted out to a private company, charity or the NHS. Your GP, unless they are working under an addictions shared care service, will not be able to give you a prescription for Naltrexone.

This is due to the way the NHS commissions services. Statutory drug and alcohol services provide comprehensive services for opioid addiction. 

If you work with them, attend meetings and appointments (and they are commissioned to provide Naltrexone, as not all services are) then it is possible to get an NHS prescription for Naltrexone.