For individuals battling opioid or alcohol addiction, naltrexone is a medication for the management of withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, naltrexone helps individuals escape the trap of addiction by blocking the positive effects of substances. Notably, naltrexone for alcohol is effective for alcohol use disorder (AUD) but is just as effective at treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Thus, whether you have a singular addiction or co-occurring substance disorder and mental illness, Naltrexone for alcoholism can help you treat alcoholism and find lasting sobriety.
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric and addictive effects of opioids. It isn’t an opioid itself, so people cannot develop an addiction to the medication. While most medications for substance disorders treat either drug or alcohol dependency, naltrexone is a rare medication that manages both. It can be prescribed as a pill or injectable. Narcan, Vivitrol, and Revia are naltrexone’s brand names.
What Is Naltrexone Approved to Treat?
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Substance addictions range in severity from mild to severe, with a substance use disorder being an extreme state of dependency that requires help. Yet, naltrexone is a safe and effective medication. Generally, naltrexone is a long-term medication approach for alcohol treatment, with some clients remaining on it for years.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Does naltrexone work for alcohol abuse? Yes, the medication is FDA-approved to treat individuals with severe alcohol dependency. Alcohol use disorder is a brain disorder where individuals can’t stop drinking on their own. This is because their chemical messaging has actually adapted over time spent abusing alcohol. However, naltrexone stops you from feeling the pleasurable feelings people get from drinking and reduces cravings.
Opioid Use Disorder
Similarly, opioids are powerful drugs that act on the brain to create a quick cycle of addiction. Because naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, this means it stops the euphoric feeling of being high by blocking this result in the body. For instance, naltrexone attaches to opioid receptors like opioids do, but it doesn’t activate them, so you don’t feel a sense of reward. Thus, the medication diminishes cravings to help individuals overcome their dependency while working with a treatment facility.
How Does Naltrexone for Alcoholism Work?
Naltrexone for alcohol abuse is an effective solution to overcoming your alcohol addiction. As mentioned, alcohol interacts with the brain until an individual develops tolerance and then dependency. However, naltrexone interacts with the brain’s reward system to cancel out any positive effects. To elaborate, naltrexone binds to endorphin receptors in your brain and nervous system. Normally, drinking alcohol triggers endorphins, which is why you feel happy, relaxed, and euphoric. Naltrexone blocks these feelings, so alcohol doesn’t have an addictive effect on your reward system.
What Are the Benefits of Naltrexone for Alcohol Abuse?
If you’re facing an addiction to alcohol that has gotten away from you, it’s time to admit you can’t quit on your own. There’s no reason to feel ashamed. In fact, the inability to stop drinking even though you want to is one of the symptoms of AUD. It is nearly impossible to stop on your own, but through professional rehabilitation, you can achieve lasting sobriety. There are ample reasons why you should begin alcoholism treatment.
Reduces Cravings for Alcohol
Part of the major difficulty of overcoming an alcohol addiction is the strong withdrawal symptoms you face when you try to quit. Understandably, withdrawal is the main reason people relapse back into drinking. Cravings are one of the uncomfortable symptoms that make it difficult to stop since they originate in your brain messaging. Naltrexone reduces cravings so you can become sober.
Increased Likelihood for Long-Term Sobriety
In addition, relapse is a major concern with individuals who have AUD. The statistics show between 20-80 percent relapse rates long-term. Undeniably, there is a need for professional medication management that increases the likelihood of lasting abstinence. Naltrexone can help you achieve long-term sobriety. Alongside mental health treatment, Naltrexone can be an effective treatment approach.
Side Effects of Naltrexone for Alcoholism
Naltrexone is generally a safe and effective treatment for AUD and OUD. However, depending on the person, you may face some side effects of naltrexone for alcoholism, like:
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Difficulty sleeping
· Cold symptoms
· Injection reaction
· Allergic reactions
· Depression symptoms
Seaglass’s substance abuse specialist will work with you to determine your dose and ensure you don’t deal with harmful side effects.
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Other Medications for Alcohol Abuse
In addition to naltrexone (Narcan), there are other FDA-approved medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Notably, they are not habit-forming and should be used to help people quit drinking. Also, they are recommended to be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with counseling and therapy. We offer the following medication for alcohol addiction at Seaglass Recovery, our alcohol rehab program.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is FDA-approved for alcohol addiction. The medication doesn’t prevent withdrawal symptoms but primarily acts in the brain to help it reset to normal functions. Thus, it helps to stabilize the mental impact of AUD. It should be used in combination with therapeutic rehab programming.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is FDA-approved to reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Markedly, if you drink alcohol while on disulfiram, you will experience a heightened sensitivity to the substance. Disulfiram triggers nearly-immediate symptoms similar to a hangover, like headache, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Thus, the medication helps individuals stop drinking in severe cases of AUD.
Baclofen
Baclofen is primarily a muscle spasm medication that is prescribed off-label for AUD. It binds to GABA receptors to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Notably, baclofen is effective at reducing the quantity of drinking in those with AUD to help individuals overcome their addiction.
The Benefits of Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Entering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction is the best course of action if you have a dependency on alcohol. Quitting on your own is likely to lead to relapse. There are many benefits of receiving professional alcohol abuse treatment, including a successful withdrawal process. Our guests begin with detoxification to remove alcohol from their systems. Notably, we make the experience as comfortable as possible, as withdrawal is often the hardest stage. Additionally, you have the benefits of achieving sobriety as you walk through the process of healing with a supportive women-only community.
Naltrexone As Part of an Overall Alcohol Abuse Recovery Plan
Naltrexone is a helpful medication for the treatment of AUD, but it is only one element of our rehab program. Medication is meant to contribute to overall healing, but we offer a comprehensive recovery plan that includes medical detoxification, therapy, and counseling. Markedly, all guests of Seaglass Recovery in Prescott, AZ, participate in both traditional and holistic therapy offerings.
Psychotherapy for Alcohol Addiction
Psychotherapy is evidence-based for helping individuals recover from disorders, including substance use disorders and mental health disorders. We offer a variety of proven therapy practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Holistic Therapy for Alcohol Addiction
Holistic therapy practices bring healing to the whole body while teaching stress-release skills guests can use after they exit treatment. Some of the holistic therapies we provide include art therapy, music therapy, nature therapy, yoga, and mindfulness.
As part of your rehabilitation, we can help you manage naltrexone for alcoholism while unpacking your addiction in therapeutic counseling. Please reach out today to reserve a spot in our gender-specific treatment facility in Prescott, AZ.