Does the Naltrexone Implant Work?

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Updated March 2023

Opioid addictions are rising. This is partly a result of prescription opioid painkillers which people are becoming addicted to, and stronger opioid painkillers, such as oxycontin, which are being used recreationally. If you or a loved one is struggling with or are addicted to opioids and need help, you may well be considering what the best options are. 

More people are dying from opioid-related deaths than ever before — although this is notably from heroin addiction, death can also be a result of misuse of prescription opioids. Naltrexone implants are opioid-blocking implants that are promoted as an effective way to treat addiction to both prescription opioids and heroin addiction. 

At Step by Step Recovery, we offer a holistic based pathway to treat drug and alcohol addiction. This typically combines a medically assisted detox and therapy in our residential rehab in Essex to treat addiction and prevent relapse. To ensure we are always providing the most effective addiction treatment, we investigate all possible options to help addicts, including naltrexone implants. We receive many calls from worried families and addicts looking for a guaranteed method of permanently stopping opioid addictions. Many ask about naltrexone implants because they are looking for an affordable and fast way to fix a very complex and multifaceted illness.

The Changing Face of Opioid Addictions

Today’s opioid addicts don’t fit a stereotype; many do not use heroin but instead obtain and become addicted to prescription painkillers obtained through their GP or bought online. Even heroin addicts do not always fit the general view of an addict who is unable to function or hold down a job. Some people with a heroin addiction manage to give the appearance that they are in control and manage to stay employed and care for children or other dependents. 

With so many choices and easy ways to obtain strong variations of opioids, staying clean when you suffer from opioid addiction has never been so challenging. As a result, faster and cheaper ways to treat opioid addictions are being developed. One solution that has received a lot of attention is naltrexone implants. If you are considering having a naltrexone implant, we have attempted to answer some common questions to help you to make an informed decision.

How Does the Naltrexone Implant Work?

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist drug that has no psychoactive effects or properties. It works by binding to and controlling the neurotransmitter receptors that are targeted by opioid drugs in the brain. Basically, naltrexone works by stopping the euphoric feelings that are associated with opioid use.

Naltrexone implants should only be used once all traces of opiates are flushed from your system (approximately seven to 10 days after your last use). If a naltrexone implant is inserted in the presence of opiates, you will experience acute opioid withdrawal symptoms as a result. 

Research shows that the activation of these receptors is an essential part of the brain reward mechanisms, which motivate repetitive behaviour. When they are not activated by opioids, over time, the brain will start to ‘unlearn’ behaviours — however, they do not prevent cravings. There is arguably a placebo effect because you are aware that a naltrexone implant will stop you from getting “high” from using opiates. 

But the risk of death from overdose increases if you do use opioids when you have a naltrexone implant in place because you will not experience the usual effects you are used to from opioids and may use more.

How Is a Naltrexone Implant Put in Place?

Naltrexone implants are small pellets that are easily inserted under the skin. Local anaesthetic is administered first to make the procedure completely painless. Once in place, naltrexone implants slowly release the naltrexone medication, which blocks the effects of opiates for between two to six months. Naltrexone injections offer an alternative to implants and are administered by an intramuscular slow-release depot injection which lasts approximately one month.

It should be considered that whilst naltrexone is an effective deterrent to purchasing heroin or abusing other opiates, this medication can only work if you are willing to stay clean from substances. Without additional therapy and addiction treatment at an outpatient clinic or a rehab centre, you may decide to simply cut out the implant or not have another injection.  

When you don’t have any psychological tools to help you cope, you can drive yourself mad with the constant obsessing and need to get high. Needing to cut an implant out may be a deterrent, but opioid addictions are extremely powerful, and you could be surprised by what you may do. 

Risks and Side Effects of Naltrexone Implants and Injections

As with all medications, there are risks and side effects associated with naltrexone. 

Common side effects include the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Insomnia and disturbed sleep
  • Toothache
  • Blocked nose and sneezing
  • Sore throat. 

Although rare, other serious side effects may also include:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Respiratory depression leading to weak or shallow breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Infection, swelling, blistering, or a hard lump in the area of the implant or where you had the injection
  • Dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), which indicate liver problems or liver damage
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Chronic cough
  • Intense symptoms of depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

The Danger of Naltrexone Implants

The main danger is you relapse with a naltrexone implant or while naltrexone is still in your system, whether that’s following the injection or before the medication has completely left your system. Compelled to get high, you might also attempt to remove an implant yourself which can cause sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection. 

The most concerning danger of naltrexone is overdose — if you relapse and use heroin or another strong opioid, you will probably attempt to compensate for the effects of the naltrexone by using a larger amount than you have previously. Needless to say, this is incredibly risky, and you are more likely to die from an overdose in an attempt to feel the effect of the opioids you take. 

This is why a naltrexone implant or injection should only be used as an integral part of an addiction treatment plan and not as a substitute for a comprehensive recovery programme. 

Why Addiction Treatment with Naltrexone Is Not Enough

It is unlikely that you will find any peace of mind without undergoing evidence-based addiction therapy. The reason for this is simple:

Addiction is characterised by compulsive and repetitive behaviours driven by changes in the structure and function of the brain.

This means that the substance, such as opioids, addictions themselves are not the crux of the problem but should instead be seen as a result of another issue that led you to want to abuse them. Many things can lead to opioid abuse, such as pain, symptoms of depression and anxiety, a challenging living environment, financial problems, family issues, or the need to feel accepted by others. This is why long-term recovery from any addiction requires more than just abstinence. 

Without addressing the deep-rooted issues and core beliefs that drive your compulsion to use drugs, it is highly likely you will relapse

Treatment For Opioid Addictions

The safest treatment for opioid addictions, whether you are addicted to heroin or prescription opiates, is to undergo a medically managed detox, followed immediately by intensive, bespoke drug rehab addiction treatment. An addiction recovery programme should incorporate all aspects of your life and the causes of addiction. That means addiction treatment that provides both medications to ease the physical aspects of addiction but also addresses the psychological, emotional and social causes.

At Step by Step Recovery, we chose not to incorporate naltrexone implants into our addiction treatment programmes and work with you to produce an individual programme that addresses you holistically. 

For more information on our bespoke opioid detox and treatment programme at our rehab in Essex, please complete our online assessment form or call our team on 0800 170 1222 for free, confidential advice to help you or a loved one.

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