June 2025 Archive: Naltrexone — How It Helps with Addiction and Chronic Pain
June’s post broke down naltrexone in a way that’s useful if you’re considering it or supporting someone who is. You’ll learn how it blocks opioid receptors, when doctors prescribe the pill versus the monthly shot, common side effects, and simple steps to use it safely.
Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. That reduces the pleasure people get from drinking alcohol or taking opioids, so cravings and relapse risk go down. It comes as a daily tablet (usually 50 mg) or an extended‑release injection given about once a month (380 mg). The injection helps if taking a daily pill is hard to manage.
Who should consider naltrexone?
Good candidates include people who are already opioid‑free for at least seven days and people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who want to cut heavy drinking. Doctors check liver function before starting and review all medicines you take. Naltrexone isn’t for everyone — it can trigger withdrawal in someone who still has opioids in their system, so timing matters.
It’s not a stand‑alone cure. Naltrexone works best with counseling, peer support, or structured programs. For opioid dependence, other options like buprenorphine or methadone may suit some people better because they replace opioids rather than block them. Talk to your clinician about goals: total abstinence, reduced heavy drinking, or stable recovery.
Side effects and practical tips
Common side effects are nausea, headache, dizziness, and sleep changes. Rarely, liver enzymes can rise, so providers often repeat blood tests after starting. If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or actively using opioids, discuss alternatives — safety and timing need attention.
Practical tips from the June article: set phone reminders or use the monthly injection if you forget pills; keep a simple meds list for your doctor; and line up counseling or a support person before you start. If you need opioid pain relief while on naltrexone, tell your care team — standard opioid doses may be less effective and require special planning.
The post also pointed to real stories and clinical data showing better outcomes when medication is paired with behavioral therapy. One cited finding was higher treatment retention at six months when counseling was added to medication, matching what many clinics report: meds help, but support sustains change.
If you live in Canada, ask your family doctor, community clinic, or an addiction service about access and cost. Some clinics offer the injection through public programs or have patient-assistance options. The June article included a short checklist to take to your appointment: current meds, recent liver tests, questions about the injection versus pill, and a plan for counseling.
Want step‑by‑step guidance? The full June 2025 post walks through starting protocols, what to ask your prescriber, and signs that suggest a follow‑up visit. It’s written for people making real choices about recovery and pain management—clear, practical, and focused on safety.
