Naltrexone Pellet

What is naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a non-narcotic medication that blocks opioid receptors in your brain so you can't get high from opioid drugs. It also reduces your urge to use opioids. When used in conjunction with a full-scale recovery plan, naltrexone is clinically proven to improve your ability to recover from addiction fully.

Naltrexone can assist in treatment for addiction to most opioids, including:

• Morphine 
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
• Oxymorphone (Opana®)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)

If you're recovering from addiction to the illegal drug heroin, naltrexone can also help you avoid relapse. And naltrexone can also help patients recovering from alcohol addiction because it reduces the urge to drink, although it doesn't block the effects of alcohol.

What is the naltrexone pellet?

Some naltrexone medications are delivered orally or via injection. The naltrexone pellet is implanted under your skin to provide a steady dose of the medication for up to six months.

In some cases, naltrexone pellet implants work better than oral medicines or injections. This may be due to the steady level of naltrexone in the bloodstream, because you don't have to remember to take pills or visit the clinic for shots, or because it eliminates one of the variables of the recovery process because you can't easily decide to end your naltrexone therapy if you feel the desire to use substances.

The experienced providers at Northshore Family Practice typically recommend that those in recovery remain on naltrexone therapy for at least 12 months after completing their initial detox. Naltrexone provides support while you develop coping skills and healthy habits that lead to a lifelong recovery from substance use disorder.

Is the naltrexone pellet right for me?

During your intake evaluation at Northshore Family Practice, your provider performs a physical exam, reviews your health history, and assesses your psychological health. This comprehensive evaluation helps your provider determine exactly which treatment methods are best for your individual needs. 

If your provider determines that the naltrexone pellet is right for you, they incorporate the medication into a personalized treatment protocol. This protocol also includes a recovery support plan, integrative, holistic medical care, and recommendations for counseling and other mental health services.

To learn more about how the naltrexone pellet can keep you from relapsing during your recovery process, schedule a confidential consultation at Northshore Family Practice. Call today or book online.