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Opioid use disorder and alcohol disorder are among the biggest health concerns globally. Alcohol and opioid related deaths have been increasing at a rapid rate over the years. The quarantine and social distancing protocols enforced a couple of years ago only made matters worse.
While there are plenty of ways to treat drug addiction, many believe that Naltrexone implants could be an effective solution, and that is precisely what we will talk about in this piece.
What are Naltrexone implants and how do they work
Naltrexone injections for opioid addiction are tiny medication pellets that contain naltrexone. These pellets are entered under the skin for treating opioid related dependencies. These implants gradually release medication, which usually takes a period around two to six months.
The substance abuse and mental health services administration claims that naltrexone attaches itself to the brainβs opioid receptors. These implants can help minimize opioid cravings and potentially block their various effects. They can also block the endorphin release caused by alcohol consumption by binding to the patientβs endorphin receptors.
That said, naltrexone implants should be used with various other aspects of well thought out treatment programs, like behavioral therapies and counseling.
Indications for Naltrexone Implant Placement
Typically, addicts are focused on getting and maintaining the perfect high while avoiding withdrawal symptoms. Usually, this can lead to many problems in their social groups and relationships, causing a great deal of isolation.
Fortunately, there have been massive advancements in the medicine field, along with a plethora of addiction treatments and studies over the years. This includes the use of naltrexone implants. If you or someone you know notices the common symptoms associated with opioid or alcohol addiction, it may be an indication to get a naltrexone injection for opioid addiction. Remember, seeking treatment for any type of addiction is an indication of strength, not weakness.
Naltrexone Implant Side Effects
While Naltrexone for opiate addiction is generally considered to be safe for treating alcohol use and opioid dependence, there are some complications and risks associated with the implants. The most common side effects are related to the reactions people have whenever they are getting the implants.
Here are some common side effects of the implant:
People who get these implants usually have difficulties drinking or eating for a day due to nausea. The nausea is usually accompanied by projectile vomiting, chest pain, pain in the jaw or arms, blurry vision, rapid heartbeat, excessive diarrhea, severe headaches and confusion.
Most of the mild side effects associated with naltrexone implant for methamphetamine addiction last for a week or two after you stop taking the medication. However, these side effects eventually go away with time as the body starts adjusting.
Severe symptoms of naltrexone implant include:
If you want to overcome your substance abuse issues by using naltrexone for opiate addiction or other addiction types, keep in mind that you cannot start the treatment procedure until you detoxify completely. This is because detoxification will completely remove the opioids from the body, which usually takes about a week to ten days. You may experience unpleasant side effects, discomfort and withdrawal during this period.
Physical and Psychological Ramifications
Many experts consider naltrexone an antagonist therapy for heroin addiction. While this treatment does work, it could cause some physical and physiological side effects, which include:
Preparing for the Naltrexone Implantation Procedure
If you ask patients and experts about naltrexone opinions for opiate addiction, most of them will tell you to detoxify your body before undergoing the treatment. As mentioned before, your body must be free from toxins for the implants to be effective.
How Are Naltrexone Implants Administered
Experts administer the Naltrexone injection for opioid addiction, by inserting it beneath the abdomen fat through minor surgical intervention. First, doctors administer local anesthesia for numbing the abdomen region. Once the anesthesia puts the patient to sleep, the surgeon makes small incisions for inserting the implant.
After inserting the implant, they close the stitch and place a sterile bandage over the cut. Usually, this procedure takes less than twenty minutes.
Naltrexone Implant β How Can it Help You
Whether you get naltrexone for marijuana addiction or opiate addiction, the treatment remains effective and may reduce or eliminate your dependency from alcohol and opioids. This means, you will not have the sudden cravings you did before the treatment. People with a history of multiple relapses and those who canβt follow a treatment regimen consistently can especially benefit from the treatment.
Does the FDA Approve Naltrexone Implant
Currently, Naltrexone implants arenβt approved by the FDA in the United States. That said, they have approved the intramuscular pills and injectable naltrexone forms for treating opioid dependence. Additionally, Naltrexone implants are completely legal in some countries, as they have been used for addiction treatment for many years with great results.
The Cost of Naltrexone Implantation
The cost of naltrexone implants can vary significantly. The price of treatment varies based on the duration of effects of the implant. It would be best to contact us and consult with our physicians to get the most detailed information regarding the cost of the implant in your specific case.
Doctors
VIP Vorobjev has some of the best doctors on its panel who are trained to help patients with their drug addiction. Our implant treatments are only administered by experts who are the best in their respective fields.
Patents and certificates
Over the years, we have qualified for several patents and certifications that ensure our treatments are of the highest quality. We focus our complete attention on the well-being of our patients.
