Naltrexone 

Here are some of the many benefits of treatment with Naltrexone:

• Most patients experience dramatic reductions in craving within hours of taking the first dose of naltrexone
• Naltrexone blocks the “high” and other effects associated with alcohol and opioid use, thereby reducing the incentive to consume alcohol or opiates while on the medication
• Naltrexone is non-habit forming, and does NOT cause physical/psychological dependency, and can be discontinued at any time without withdrawal symptoms
• Naltrexone significantly reduces the probability of relapse
• Naltrexone can be given with other medications, especially those used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions

Opiates are a class of drugs that are extremely useful for reducing pain after surgery, fractures, chemotherapy, etc. However, when used inappropriately, these drugs become powerfully addicting. Addiction occurs when the pleasure pathways of the brain have become over-stimulated by the abuse of drugs and alcohol. This over-stimulation forces the brain to adapt to the abnormal surges caused by such abuse by demanding more frequent use of the drug to maintain equilibrium.
This uncontrollable demand by the brain is what most people refer to as “craving.” Craving is the most persistent and overwhelming symptom of the disease. It can last for years and even return unexpectedly and powerfully after being dormant. Naltrexone significantly reduces the craving, therefore increasing a person’s chances for long-term success.
Naltrexone is the first opiate-antagonist medication approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of alcoholism and opiate addiction.

Naltrexone is effective against a wide variety of opiates including: