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Naltrexone Uses in Addiction Treatment

Medically Reviewed by
Nzinga Harrison, MD
March 14, 2024

Opioid addiction and alcohol addiction remain serious problems in the United States and across the globe. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 20.3 million people aged 12 or older have experienced substance use disorder, and an estimated 14.5 million people ages 12 and older suffer from alcoholism. These disorders are serious health conditions that affect people from all walks of life. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by uncontrollable use of substances despite harmful consequences. 

To overcome addiction and maintain prolonged recovery, an integrated treatment plan is needed that involves a medication for addiction treatment (MAT) program, therapy, counseling, a support group, and an aftercare program. The medical aspect of treatment provides individuals with specific medications that help them taper off of substance use. One such drug that has been manufactured and marketed for this purpose is Naltrexone. 

Naltrexone is an effective tool in the management of alcohol addiction and opioid addiction. Naltrexone strengthens the treatment process to a great extent by helping people safely and gradually stop using alcohol or opioids.

What is Naltrexone?

Quick facts about Naltrexone or Vivitrol for addiction treatment

Naltrexone is a prescription medication sold under the brand names ReVia and Vivitrol. This medication was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid dependence and alcohol dependence, the two highest forms of substance use disorders present in the US. It is estimated that around 130 people die each day due to opioid-related drug overdoses, and an average of 6 people die of alcohol poisoning each day in the US.

It is available in a pill form (ReVia) for alcohol dependence or as an extended-release intramuscular injectable (Vivitrol) for both conditions. The pill form of naltrexone is taken daily, and the extended-release injectable is administered once a month by a licensed practitioner. Naltrexone is not recommended for anyone younger than 18 years of age or individuals experiencing certain medical health conditions.

The medication starts to take effect within 30 minutes after its use. And the dosage can vary from one person to another. Missing doses of naltrexone can decrease its effectiveness and increase your chance of a relapse.

To avoid detox withdrawals, people who take naltrexone must refrain from taking drugs or alcohol for at least 7-10 days before beginning treatment. This includes those who previously used methadone and are in the process of transitioning to naltrexone.

Naltrexone Use in Addiction Treatment

Addiction, often described as a lifelong illness, demands ongoing care similar to managing chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. Just as in these conditions, medication and continuous attention are crucial for recovery. Much like hypertension and asthma, addiction is recognized as a relapsing disease with both physiological and behavioral components. It’s important to understand that relapse does not mean “failure” but signals the need for adjustments in the treatment program to better align with individual needs.

How does naltrexone treat alcohol or opioid addiction?

Naltrexone works in three ways:

1. It helps block the euphoric effects of opiates by binding and blocking opioid receptors

2. It decreases cravings for alcohol or opiates

3. It interferes with the desire to continue drinking in case of a relapse

Naltrexone can help with substance use disorder by tremendously decreasing chances of a relapse and improving  focus on additional elements of recovery. Among the many benefits of using naltrexone, the main benefit is that it doesn’t have the potential for abuse, addiction, or dependence. Naltrexone isn’t a cure for addiction, nor does it cure dependency, but research shows that this combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder and help sustain recovery.

How do I get Naltrexone?

If you would like to be put on Naltrexone to combat alcohol or opioid addiction, reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Share your struggles openly and honestly. Together, discuss treatment options, including Vivitrol or ReVia. If your doctor determines it’s the right treatment for you, they’ll guide you through the process of obtaining the medication, offering support every step of the way.

Talk to your doctor before starting naltrexone treatment about the following situations to lower your chances of side effects:

  • If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
  • About all medications you are currently taking, prescriptions and non-prescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
  • If you are using any other recreational drugs
  • Medical health conditions such as liver damage, hemophilia or other bleeding problems, kidney problems, or liver disease. 
  • Allergic to naltrexone, including any of the ingredients or the liquid used to mix the extended-release naltrexone.

Considering your medical conditions, your doctor can determine the safest dose of naltrexone.

Naltrexone-Related Side Effects

All medications come with their own set of side effects, some more serious than others. If you experience any during naltrexone treatment, do not stop using it before consulting your doctor first. 

If you experience too many side effects of naltrexone, your doctor can decrease the dosage or substitute naltrexone with another medication to treat opioid or alcohol dependence. However, most side effects of naltrexone will  decrease over time. The most common side effects of naltrexone include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Cold symptoms
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Painful joints
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle cramps
  • Toothache
  • Decreased appetite

Naltrexone can cause serious side effects in rare circumstances, including liver damage and injection site reactions. In some cases, naltrexone can trigger allergic reactions (allergic pneumonia). If you encounter any of these side effects, contact your physician immediately.

Medications to Avoid While Taking Naltrexone

Naltrexone can interact with other medications and cause dangerous side effects. Since the drug is used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorder, other substances must be avoided at all costs to prevent any sudden withdrawal symptoms. Before using naltrexone, inform your physician of any other medications you’re currently on, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies to avoid complications. The following medications can adversely interact with naltrexone:

  • Narcotic drugs, such as codeine and hydrocodone
  • Diarrhea medications
  • Disulfiram
  • Cough medication

Is Naltrexone the Same as Narcan?

Naltrexone is not the same medication as Narcan, also named Naloxone. Although these two medications might look and sound similar, they are however fundamentally different. 

The action of naltrexone does not undo the effects of opioids; it prevents the euphoric sensation they cause. On the other hand, Narcan alters the adverse effects of potent opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Narcan is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose quickly. It is an opioid antagonist that binds itself to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. 

When someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, they must seek immediate medical attention. Many emergency healthcare providers have Narcan on hand to counteract a possibly fatal overdose.

Can You Overdose on Naltrexone?

It is theoretically possible to overdose on naltrexone, if  someone were to take a massive dosage of opioids or consume a lot of alcohol in an  attempt to counteract the effects of naltrexone, this can lead to an overdose. 

A missed naltrexone dose should be taken as soon as possible. But if it’s close to the next dose, it is best to avoid the missed dose. However, take the next dose at the usual time.  Do not double the dosage to catch up on the missed dose as it may lead to an overdose.

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If you are seeking help with your loved one’s addiction, contact us today or complete our quick contact form below, to speak with an addiction treatment specialist.

If you need help with your substance use disorder, we are here to help you build your confidence and momentum towards the future you want. We provide treatment services for adults with alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders. We are currently located in LouisianaMassachusettsNew JerseyNorth CarolinaOhio, Texas,  and Washington.

author avatar
Nzinga Harrison, MD
Dr. Harrison serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Eleanor Health with more than 15 years experience practicing medicine. She is a double-board certified physician with specialties in general adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Harrison has spent her career as a physician treating individuals from marginalized communities with substance use and other psychiatric disorders. As a physician executive, she has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer roles committed to creating and improving systems-based delivery of psychiatric and substance abuse care. She is a vocal advocate for stigma reduction, and is passionate about the necessity for whole-person care as individuals and communities seek to recover from and prevent substance use disorders.
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Nzinga Harrison, MD

Dr. Harrison serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Eleanor Health with more than 15 years experience practicing medicine. She is a double-board certified physician with specialties in general adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Harrison has spent her career as a physician treating individuals from marginalized communities with substance use and other psychiatric disorders. As a physician executive, she has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer roles committed to creating and improving systems-based delivery of psychiatric and substance abuse care. She is a vocal advocate for stigma reduction, and is passionate about the necessity for whole-person care as individuals and communities seek to recover from and prevent substance use disorders.

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