Naltrexone as a total opioid receptor antagonist has a high affinity for all types of opioid receptors. It covers opioid receptors up, preventing heroin and other opioids from getting close and having their effect. As Naltrexone implant fully covers opioid receptors, it prevents our natural endorphins storm caused by alcohol, crack/cocaine and other drugs from getting on the receptors. Thanks to this, it deprives users from getting pleasure, appeal and any reason to continue drinking alcohol or using drugs. Therefore, we can freely say that Naltrexone implant is effective.
From our more than 20 years of experience with Naltrexone treatment, high success rates are observable:
- - protection against all types of opioids 98%
- - protection against alcohol abuse about 90%
- - aide against cravings for crack/cocaine about 80%
- - not effective against cannabis
- - does not help against hallucinogens (LSD, ketamine, mushrooms and other plants)
What Can Increase the Effectiveness of Naltrexone Treatment?
The patient's own positive motivation for sobriety. Marriage, the birth of a child, a new job and other personally significant joyful events in one's life may have a decisive impact. They can stimulate responsibility, the rapid mental and emotional growth of the patient. In these situations abstinence becomes an important value and the main goal in one's life. Attitude towards Naltrexone implant becomes more attentive. Interest in successful rehabilitation reinforces discipline in the course of treatment.
Is Naltrexone blocker expensive? See Naltrexone costs
Negative motivation, on the contrary, would be the threat of losing the family, job, driver's license, going to jail, falling into debt slavery, and so on. The real fear of losing something very important can make a person resolutely seek help, and treatment and obediently do everything that is required to stay in remission.
However, when the situation around the addict improves, the threat recedes. Unreliable fear motivation disappears and attempts to return to drugs are not uncommon.
One-on-one work with a psychiatrist, therapist, or consultant. As well as some types of group therapy.
What Can Reduce the Effectiveness of the Implant?
- The fibrinous protective membrane around the implant formed by the patient's skin is too thick and poorly permeable. Then Naltrexone cannot enter the bloodstream in sufficient quantities. The blocker remains inside the tight capsule and does not reach the opioid receptors. The formation of such a thick capsule is facilitated by the irritation of the patient's subcutaneous tissues with high muscle activity around the foreign body (pellets) and the genetic predisposition to hyperfibrosis.
- The protective membrane, on the contrary, is not sufficiently formed, which led to the accelerated dissolution of Naltrexone and its early wearing out.
- Inflammation of the subcutaneous tissues around the implant due to a reaction to a foreign body, allergies, and infections. Inflammatory edema and local circulatory disorders prevent the passage of Naltrexone from the pellets into the patient's bloodstream. Alcohol consumption, even in small doses, also contributes to inflammation and swelling. During inflammation, the patient's body can intensely melt the pellets. Then Naltrexone flows out of the opened wound with a yellowish beige puss. This reduces the amount of Naltrexone in the system and even leads to its rapid loss to the outside.
What Else Can Make the Implant Less Effective?
After local inflammation around the implant, fibrosis and additional thickening of the capsule occur. The administration of the blocker is already constantly violated.
Mechanical damage to the integrity of the implant and/or protective capsule. Then the implant that has broken into pieces will dissolve much faster.
Accelerated metabolism by the patient of any opioid molecules or in general intensive hepatic metabolism.
Patient's attempts to overcome Naltrexone receptor blockade with various opioids. Even knowing about the risk of overdose. Demotivated addicts in remission may persist in trying different doses of heroin for weeks and months until they finally break the blockade.
Attempts to fight the implant: to provoke inflammation with intense movements and alcohol, the urge to break the subcutaneous pellets and the protective capsule, burn it with an iron, infect or even open the wound and remove it. Thus, there are many reasons and opportunities to reduce the effectiveness of Naltrexone implant treatment. Therefore, the result cannot be guaranteed. However, Naltrexone implant treatment increases your chances of success significantly. You just need to cherish your rehabilitation and strictly follow all the recommendations.