The OAD Clinic
Naltrexone Treatments
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What is Naltrexone?
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Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is a safe and effective medication. Its blocking mechanism means that heroin, methadone (Physeptone) and all other opiates such as morphine, codeine, DF118 and Temgesic will no longer produce their desired effects like the intense feeling of pain relief and euphoria, effectively reducing the desire to take these drugs.
How does it work?
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Naltrexone enters the brain and nervous system and attaches itself to small areas called receptor sites. For heroin to produce its effects, it must attach to the same receptors, but Naltrexone blocks it for reaching them for up to three days after an oral dose. These receptors are part of the complex reward mechanisms that motivate us and lead to repetitive behaviour. If the reward is blocked, the craving and dependence reduces and new behaviours establish over time. It works well for relapse prevention in opiate addiction and often, but less predictably, in alcohol dependence.
Why consider Naltrexone?
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The OAD Clinic offers naltrexone treatments to prevent opiate relapse. The medication should be taken after the body has been fully detoxified from opiates, otherwise strong withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. It is part of our comprehensive opiate addiction treatment programme that includes counselling, monitoring and lifestyle changes.
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Learn more about our drug treatment programmes.
Naltrexone can also be effectively used in alcohol treatment programmes. It blocks opioid receptors responsible for the euphoric effects of alcohol mediated by endorphins (brain reward system), reducing the desire to drink. Naltrexone works best as part of a treatment programme that includes psychosocial support such as counselling and therapy.
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Learn more about our alcohol treatment programmes.
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Please keep in mind that we currently do not offer a Naltrexone implant treatment. If you are looking for Naltrexone implant UK -based, please contact one of the specialis. Naltrexone implant clinics.
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Naltrexone Formulations
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Naltrexone is available in three forms:
Naltrexone Implants
A Naltrexone Implant is a specially formulated, sterilised preparation for insertion under the skin during a 20-30 minute minor surgical procedure. Its effects last up to 6 months. The OAD Clinic does not currently provide treatments based on a Naltrexone implant for alcohol addiction. Keep in mind that tThere can be side effects to a Naltrexone Implant alcohol based treatment, so it’s important that you understand the possible risks and complications, which can include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and more.
Naltrexone Implants do not have a product licence in the UK and are still regarded as experimental.
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Tablets
These are usually swallowed daily and it is best that consumption is supervised. If not taken for a couple of days, relapse to opiate use is possible. They do have a product licence.
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Depot Injections
This is a liquid preparation of Naltrexone for injection into deep muscle, slowly released over approximately one month. The advantage of this formulation is that no surgical procedure is needed, with no visible lump or scar. Compared to Implants, the disadvantage is its shorter duration, requiring more commitment from the patient to have it repeated monthly, without relapsing in between. If you are looking for Naltrexone injection UK, The OAD Clinic unfortunately cannot offer this form of treatment at this time. Currently, this formulation does not have a product licence in the UK.
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We can provide Buvidal depot injections (prolonged-release buprenorphine injection)as an alternative opioid blocker with the same purpose as a Naltrexone injection.
Countries We Serve
If you aree interested in a specific Naltrexone treatment for opiate detoxification and curbing alcohol cravings, particularly in the form of tablets, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. If you are based in Egypt, India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates, we can also offer you this treatment after you attend an initial consultation at our clinic in London.
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Begin your journey to recovery with Naltrexone treatment at The OAD Clinic today. Get in touch with us for more information.
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