Naltrexone Implant Clinic
Welcome to our Naltrexone implant clinic. We provide private medical consultations, detox assessments, and long-acting naltrexone implant treatments for patients travelling from London, and elsewhere in the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe.
This page explains how naltrexone implants work, treatment durations, pricing, and how our medical team supports your recovery and relapse prevention plan.
Naltrexone implants are a long-acting form of naltrexone designed to release the medication gradually over an extended period. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin and morphine. It is also used as part of relapse-prevention treatment for alcohol dependence.
Naltrexone implants for 3, 6 or 12 months
At Naltrexone Implant Clinic RYW, we offer consultations and treatment options for people considering naltrexone implant treatment.
Contact us for a consultation: +44 20 3289 8289
What is a naltrexone implant?
A naltrexone implant is a small pellet placed discreetly beneath the skin that gradually releases medication to provide continuous opioid receptor blockade for 3, 6, or 12 months. Naltrexone is a non-addictive opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the euphoric effects of heroin and other opioids while supporting relapse prevention in alcohol dependence. By providing sustained delivery, implants eliminate the daily burden of taking tablets and help support long-term recovery under qualified medical supervision.
How Does a Naltrexone Implant Work?
Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. When effective naltrexone blockade is present, taking an opioid such as heroin produces much less of its usual opioid effect.
The aim of treatment is to reduce or block the rewarding effects of opioids and support continued abstinence.
Naltrexone does not treat opioid withdrawal. Anyone who is physically dependent on opioids must be opioid-free before starting naltrexone, as taking naltrexone too soon can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms.
For this reason, an appropriate medical assessment and, where necessary, detoxification are important before naltrexone treatment begins.
How long does a naltrexone implant last?
The duration depends on the implant formulation, dose and individual circumstances. Different naltrexone implants have been developed to provide sustained release over different periods.
At our clinic, treatment options may include 3-, 6- and 12-month naltrexone implants, depending on the treatment plan and the implant being used.
Naltrexone implant prices
We offer 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month naltrexone implant options suited to your individual needs.
View the Naltrexone implant pricelist
Who may consider naltrexone implant treatment?
Naltrexone may be considered as part of a relapse-prevention programme for people who have achieved the required period of abstinence and have been medically assessed as suitable for treatment.
For people recovering from opioid or heroin dependence, naltrexone can help prevent the effects of opioids after detoxification. It can also be used for relapse prevention in alcohol dependence in appropriate patients. Naltrexone has also been studied in cocaine dependence, although the evidence is more limited.
Treatment should always be based on an individual medical assessment.
Naltrexone for alcohol dependence
Naltrexone can help reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol and may reduce the risk of returning to heavy drinking in suitable patients.
UK clinical guidance recognises naltrexone as an option for relapse prevention in people with alcohol dependence following withdrawal.
Read more about Naltrexone for alcohol treatment
Naltrexone for heroin and opioid dependence
For people recovering from heroin or other opioid dependence, naltrexone provides opioid receptor blockade after an appropriate period of abstinence.
Research into naltrexone implants has found that sustained-release treatment can help some patients remain in treatment and may reduce opioid use. However, naltrexone is only one part of addiction treatment and does not replace counselling, aftercare or other forms of support.
12-Month Naltrexone Implant – Patient Experience from London
In this video, a client from London shares his experience of having a 12-month naltrexone implant fitted and discusses how the opioid blocker works.
He talks about his experience with naltrexone implant treatment and how opioid blockade can support people recovering from heroin and other opioid dependence.
The video may be useful for people from the UK, Ireland and Europe who are considering naltrexone implant treatment and would like to hear about the experience of someone who has undergone the procedure.
Naltrexone is available in different forms, including tablets, injections and implants. Implant formulations may be designed to provide sustained release over different periods, including 3, 6 and 12 months, depending on the product and treatment plan.
Please note: this video reflects one patient's personal experience and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of treatment results. Naltrexone treatment should be considered following an appropriate medical assessment.
Naltrexone implants for cocaine dependence
Naltrexone has also been studied as a possible treatment for cocaine dependence. As an opioid receptor antagonist, it does not produce a stimulant effect and does not replace cocaine with another drug.
Research into naltrexone for cocaine use has produced mixed results, and there is currently less evidence for its use in cocaine dependence than for opioid or alcohol dependence. A naltrexone implant may nevertheless be considered as part of an individual treatment plan where clinically appropriate.
For people seeking help with cocaine or crack cocaine use, treatment is usually most effective when medication is combined with appropriate psychological support, relapse-prevention strategies and ongoing aftercare.
Read more about naltrexone for cocaine and crack cocaine use
Where are naltrexone implants available?
Naltrexone Implant Clinic RYW provides consultations and treatment options for people travelling from the UK, Ireland and across Europe.
Naltrexone implant clinic UK
If you are considering a naltrexone implant, you can contact us to discuss availability, treatment options, the procedure and the different implant durations.
Contact Naltrexone Implant Clinic RYW
How is a naltrexone implant fitted?
A naltrexone implant is inserted beneath the skin during a quick, minor outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic. The area is numbed, a small incision is made, and the implant is placed. Following insertion, patients are given clear instructions on how to care for the wound, keep the site clean, monitor healing and prevent complications.
For detailed guidance, see:
Frequently asked questions about naltrexone implants
Does a naltrexone implant stop cravings?
Naltrexone can reduce the rewarding effects of opioids and may help with relapse prevention. Some people may also experience a reduction in cravings.
However, an implant is not a cure for addiction and works best as part of a wider treatment and aftercare programme.
Is naltrexone an opioid?
No. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. It does not produce the euphoric effects associated with opioid drugs.
Naltrexone tablets or implants?
Both naltrexone tablets and implants deliver the same active medication, but they differ in administration. Oral tablets require strict daily compliance, whereas a sustained-release implant provides continuous delivery over several months. Studies of naltrexone implants for opioid dependence have noted higher treatment retention compared to daily oral options. For patients assessed as suitable, the primary practical advantage of an implant is removing the daily tablet burden to help maintain consistent treatment.
UK Health Research Authority – Naltrexone Enhanced Addiction Treatment (NEAT)
Regulatory & prescribing information
In the UK and EU, naltrexone implants are non-standard, unlicensed medicinal formulations prescribed off-label. Where an off-label treatment is deemed clinically appropriate, the decision is made by a qualified prescriber following a thorough individual medical assessment. Patients are given clear information regarding the potential benefits, risks, and aftercare so they can make an informed decision prior to treatment.
