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logo · 12-09-2006, 10:02 PM

What is naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a drug prescribed to help people maintain abstinence after they have withdrawn (detoxified) from heroin or other opioids . It is also used in an experimental treatment to bring about rapid withdrawal from opioids. Naltrexone has also been used as a treatment to support abstinence for people who are dependent on alcohol. What does naltrexone do?

Naltrexone is classed as an opioid antagonist . It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and therefore blocking the effects of heroin and other opioids. It can assist in maintaining abstinence from heroin because the person is aware that they cannot achieve a ‘high’ from using heroin. Therefore, any money spent on heroin will be wasted. It does not directly stop a person wanting to use heroin, although it may reduce or prevent cravings in some people. You cannot become physically dependent on naltrexone and it does not produce any euphoric effects.

12-09-2006, 10:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
logo NAIOU Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Last house on the block. Posts: 240	Naltrexone is an opiate blocker What is naltrexone? Naltrexone is a drug prescribed to help people maintain abstinence after they have withdrawn (detoxified) from heroin or other opioids . It is also used in an experimental treatment to bring about rapid withdrawal from opioids. Naltrexone has also been used as a treatment to support abstinence for people who are dependent on alcohol. What does naltrexone do? Naltrexone is classed as an opioid antagonist . It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and therefore blocking the effects of heroin and other opioids. It can assist in maintaining abstinence from heroin because the person is aware that they cannot achieve a ‘high’ from using heroin. Therefore, any money spent on heroin will be wasted. It does not directly stop a person wanting to use heroin, although it may reduce or prevent cravings in some people. You cannot become physically dependent on naltrexone and it does not produce any euphoric effects. __________________ The Message Is Hope. The Promise Is Freedom.