Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication that can help support your efforts to recover from opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). One of the biggest obstacles to abstaining from opioids or alcohol is powerful cravings. Receiving naltrexone treatment as part of your recovery plan can help reduce cravings so that you find it easier to remove these substances from your life. With this in mind, you may be wondering, “How long does Naltrexone last to reduce cravings?” The answer lies in which form of naltrexone and dosage your provider prescribes. Whether you prefer in-person or online medication-assisted treatment, you should always access naltrexone care from a qualified provider.
Convenient, online medication-assisted treatment is often a good fit for a busy lifestyle. Reach out to the professionals at Confidant Health for virtual Suboxone and naltrexone treatment for substance use disorder. Download our app today to schedule an assessment with a practitioner at our online Suboxone clinic.
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication used to help manage opioid and alcohol use disorder. It is available as a daily tablet or monthly injection. Your provider can help determine which of these two administration methods may be right for you.
How It Works
As an opioid antagonist, naltrexone binds to opioid receptors in the brain. This prevents other opioids from being able to attach to these receptors and induce euphoria. Without the reinforcement of euphoric effects from opioids, cravings may be reduced, making it easier to abstain from opioid misuse.
In the case of alcohol, naltrexone prevents endorphins from binding to opioid receptors and releasing the feel-good hormone dopamine. By blocking the release of dopamine, you do not experience the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Naltrexone helps your brain begin to disassociate positive feelings with alcohol consumption, which helps to minimize cravings.