Naltrexone Blocker Story: A 42-Year-Old From Ireland Chooses a One-Year Naltrexone Implant After Three Rehab Attempts
After six years of heroin addiction and three previous attempts at residential rehabilitation, a 42-year-old man from Ireland travelled to Refind Your Way Clinic looking for another way to maintain abstinence from heroin. He chose a one-year Naltrexone blocker.
In this video case study, he shares his experience of choosing Naltrexone treatment, having the implant placed and his hopes for returning home drug-free.
Patient Overview
- Patient: 42-year-old man from the UK
- Addiction: Heroin
- Duration of addiction: Six years
- Previous rehabilitation: Three residential rehabilitation stays
- Previous periods of abstinence: Approximately two to three weeks after each rehabilitation stay
- Treatment chosen: 12-month Naltrexone implant
- Goal: To help him stay away from heroin while working towards rebuilding his life
Three Rehab Attempts, But Relapse Within Weeks
Before contacting Refind Your Way, the patient had attempted rehabilitation three times. However, each attempt was followed by a return to heroin within approximately two or three weeks.
When asked about his previous attempts to stop using heroin, he explained:
“I went to rehab and it never worked. I tried another drug rehab clinic and it didn’t work. Therefore, I think this is my only option now.”
Why Did He Choose a 12-Month Naltrexone blocker?
The patient chose a 12-month Naltrexone implant because he hoped it would help him stay away from heroin for an extended period while he worked on getting his life back on track.
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It works by blocking opioid receptors, reducing or preventing the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin.
Unlike opioid medications, Naltrexone does not produce an opioid high and is not itself an opioid. However, Naltrexone treatment is not a cure for addiction by itself. Long-term recovery can also involve psychological support, behavioural changes and other elements of an individual's recovery plan.
Watch His Naltrexone Blocker Story
His Experience Immediately After the Procedure
The patient was asked how he felt three minutes after the Naltrexone implant procedure.
His answer was simple:
“I’m feeling OK.”
He described the procedure positively:
“It was good because it didn’t hurt.”
When asked whether he could feel the blocker working, he said that he could not yet feel it.
This is not unexpected. Naltrexone does not normally create a noticeable sensation when it is blocking opioid receptors.
“It Is the Greatest Decision I've Ever Made”
When asked how he felt about choosing a one-year Naltrexone blocker, the patient gave a strong response:
“Yes, it is the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Being drug-free for a year will mean a lot.”
He believed the treatment could help him stay away from heroin and give him an opportunity to rebuild his life.
Returning to Ireland and Getting His Life Back on Track
After six years of heroin addiction and three previous rehabilitation attempts, the patient's main goal was to return home and move forward with his life.
When asked about his plans after returning home, he said:
“My plan is to get my life back on track.”
For him, the 12-month Naltrexone implant represented an opportunity to maintain a period of opioid blockade while focusing on the changes needed for longer-term recovery.
A Patient's Experience of Naltrexone Treatment
This case study describes one man's experience of travelling from Ireland for Naltrexone implant treatment after several previous attempts at rehabilitation.
His story includes six years of heroin addiction, three previous rehabilitation stays, repeated relapse after short periods of abstinence and his decision to try a 12-month Naltrexone implant.
The video allows him to explain in his own words why he chose the treatment and how he felt immediately after the procedure.
This is one patient's experience and does not guarantee the same outcome for another person. Naltrexone treatment should be discussed with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional following an individual clinical assessment.
Considering a Naltrexone blocker?
If you would like to learn more about Naltrexone implants, treatment options and the procedure, contact Refind Your Way for further information:
+44 20 3289 8289
Video transcript
Hi, where are you coming from?
From Ireland.
What problems did you have before coming to Refind Your Way Rehab Centre?
Heroin addiction.
How long have you been addicted to heroin?
Six years.
How old are you now?
I'm 42 years old.
Where did you learn about Naltrexone implants?
On the internet.
What do you know about Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a blocker, it stops you from using heroin.
Was it difficult for you to make a decision about having a Naltrexone implant insertion?
No, it wasn't.
Being drug-free for a year thanks to a Naltrexone blocker
What is your implant choice? For how long is your Naltrexone implant? I've chosen a twelve months Naltrexone (one-year Naltrexone blocker). How are you feeling three minutes after the Naltrexone blocker procedure? I’m feeling ok.
What is your implant choice? For how long is your Naltrexone implant?
I've chosen a twelve months Naltrexone (one-year Naltrexone blocker).
How are you feeling three minutes after the Naltrexone blocker procedure?
I’m feeling ok.
Can you fee that the blocker has started to work?
Not yet.
How was the Naltrexone blocker procedure?
It was good because it didn't hurt.
How do you feel about your decision of having a one-year Naltrexone blocker?
Yes, it is the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Being drug-free for a year will mean a lot.
Do you believe that this Naltrexone blocker will really help you stay away from heroin?
Yes, I do.
What are your plans after returning back home?
My plan is to get my life back on track.
How had you tried to get off heroin in the past?
I went to rehab and it never worked, then I tried another drugs rehab clinic and it didn’t work. Therefore, I think this is my only option now.
How many times have you been to rehab?
Three times.
How long did you stay clean after the rehab?
Two weeks, three weeks.
Do you think that a Naltrexone implant for one year will change potential relapses?
Well, I’ve come to the end, so I think that the blocker will keep me away from heroin.
Thank you very much for sharing your story.
Do you find this Naltrexone blocker story helpful? If yes, feel free to contact us +44 20 3289 8289
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