Naltrexone is a potent opioid antagonist that is commonly used to treat opioid abuse. It has also shown some efficacy in treating a host of chronic health conditions in tiny doses. When you are taking drugs, opioids will give you a “high” or “rush” feeling. This is a feeling of contentment and pain relief. When taking Naltrexone, these feelings will be blocked.
What this means is, that by using Naltrexone therapy over time, you will regain a drug-free state of mind. allowing you to focus on developing a healthier lifestyle. It effectively blocks other opioids, like heroin, morphine, and methadone, from binding to these sites. So, if you do use opioids, it will not affect you.
Can Facilitate Opioid Detoxification by Reducing Dependence
When a person enters the detox process, they may suffer from a range of issues as their body attempts to function without drugs. Having a low-Dose Naltrexone Therapy can help to change how a person copes. This type of treatment can diminish withdrawal symptoms and craving, and block opioid effects due to lapses. If you have a strong external motivation to stay sober, this will help to facilitate the journey to sobriety.
Help Fight Chronic Pain & Inflammation
Low-dose naltrexone therapy can be a safe, effective, and non-narcotic treatment approach for many patients in recovery that struggle with chronic illness. The effect that it has on the central nervous system appears to help reduce the symptoms of pain. These effects appear to be unique at low dosages compared to dosage for food and drug administration-approved use for alcohol and opioid dependence. However, the dose that a person needs will be discussed during their treatments.
Can Help Heal The Brain After Extended Opioid Abuse
After years of drug abuse, the brain will change. Opioids are known to fundamentally change the structure and architecture of the brain. The natural reward systems and their reinforcing pathways become altered. This can make restoring their normal function difficult. The brain begins to alter the concentration and distribution of opioid receptors. Ultimately, compensating for these changes takes time, as the brain must begin to naturally produce its own opioids once again. However, one way to quicken this process is through Naltrexone therapy.
Side Effects
As with all medications, there can be some side effects. Some of these include-
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- decreased appetite
- constipation
- headache
- fatigue
- insomnia
- dizziness
- depression
- anxiety
Serious side effects are rare but they can occur. If you notice any of the following side effects, you should report them right away
- confusion
- hallucinations
- blurred vision
- severe vomiting
- diarrhea.
- liver damage
When it comes to taking Naltrexone, there are a lot of factors that are taken into consideration. If you find that you are experiencing some minor side effects, it is important to remember that this is part of your recovery process and this is in place for a reason, to help you ditch the drugs and move forward with your life.