How Naltrexone Implants Work for Alcohol & Opioid Addiction

Opioid and alcohol use disorders are a growing concern in the United States, especially with the rise in overdose deaths. In 2021 alone, 107,622 drug-involved overdose deaths were reported in the country, and opioids accounted for 80,816. In the same year, there were over 52,000 alcohol-induced deaths in the US.

The increase in substance abuse and overdose cases indicates the need for addiction maintenance treatments. While traditional treatments for opioid and alcohol use disorder do a great job of helping people get off of drugs, they do little to prevent overdose cases. Once a recovering addict leaves the treatment facility, they may face triggers that can result in relapse and overdose.

That's why many medical institutes worldwide are still trying to find innovative ways to enhance the convenience and chances of long-term sobriety. Naltrexone implants are one such innovative treatment option. These implants provide long-term maintenance from alcohol and opioids by reducing the risk of cravings and relapse.

What are Naltrexone Implants?

Naltrexone implants are small pellets that contain the medication naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication that blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol on the brain, thus helping manage cravings.

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The principle behind this medication-assisted treatment is that if someone can't feel the desired effect of drugs, they won't be motivated to use them. Over time, the positive association with opioids or alcohol will fade, and temptations won't be present.

When the implant is inserted under the skin, it slowly releases Naltrexone into the body over several weeks to months. This extended release can help reduce cravings for opioids or alcohol and prevent relapse. In some cases, it can also help curb opioid overdose cases.

Naltrexone implants have shown promising results in treating alcohol and opioid addiction, mainly when used in conjunction with other forms of evidence-based treatment, like medication, counseling, and support groups. This holistic approach addresses substance use disorders and the mental health aspect.

How Naltrexone Implants Work for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication that works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. The implants provide a constant level of medication in the body, which can help to keep the opioid receptors blocked and reduce the risk of relapse.

Naltrexone implants have several advantages as they:

Are safe and effective when used as directed.
Are not addictive, meaning you can stop using them at any time without withdrawal effects.
Provide a sustained level of medication over several months. This can be particularly helpful when someone relapses, as they'll still have the implant protection.
Lower the chances of forgetting or purposefully avoiding taking prescriptions to drink alcohol or use opioids.
Readily binds to opioid receptors.
Provide ample time for the brain to rewire and heal from the damages caused by long-term alcohol or opioid use.

Weakness of Naltrexone Treatment

Despite the advantages of Naltrexone, there are some downsides as well. These include:

Need for detox – the treatment can only begin after alcohol or drugs have been cleared from the body. This may take about 7-10 days. Starting the treatment before detox may lead to intense and persistent withdrawal.
Potential side effects, which we'll discuss below.
Some sources cite the lack of consistency in the manufacturing of different implants available in the market. As such, some might break up rather than dissolve over time.

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How Are Naltrexone Implants Administered?

Naltrexone implants are small, sterile pellets implanted under the skin in a minor surgical procedure. The procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting, meaning you won't need to stay overnight in a hospital.

First, a healthcare professional will clean and numb the area where the implant will be inserted. This is done with a local anesthetic, so you'll be awake during the procedure but won't feel any pain.

Next, the healthcare professional will make a small incision in your lower abdomen skin. They'll then insert the naltrexone implant into the pocket they've created under the skin and close the incision using stitches or adhesive strips. They will also apply a sterile dressing to the area to protect it as it heals.

The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes or less you can go home the same day.

Side Effects of Naltrexone Implants

Naltrexone is generally safe. But like any medication, it can cause side effects. Here are some of the potential side effects of naltrexone implant:

Pain, swelling, or redness at the implant site
Infection at the implant site
Bleeding or bruising at the implant site
Itching or rash at the implant site
Nausea or vomiting, headache or dizziness
Diarrhea
Anxiety or nervousness
Fatigue or weakness
Liver problems
Allergic reactions

It's important to note that these side effects are usually mild and temporary, and most people tolerate the medication well. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you have any medical conditions or take other medications, inform your healthcare provider before starting a naltrexone implant to ensure it's safe and effective for you.

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Starting Naltrexone Treatment

Before starting Naltrexone, you must undergo an assessment to ensure you're suited for treatment. A good candidate for Naltrexone treatment would typically meet the following criteria:

Remain at risk of relapse without treatment
Have completed a detoxification program and have been opioid- or alcohol-free for at least 7-10 days
Used low doses of opioids or for a short time
Have a solid motivation to stop using opioids or alcohol
Are currently using other forms of evidence-based medications but would like to switch to Naltrexone
Have previously relapsed with other MAT treatments, like buprenorphine-naloxone or methadone

Naltrexone implants are a cutting-edge treatment for addiction to opioids, heroin, and alcohol. But the FDA has not approved the implantable version of Naltrexone for use in America. The treatment is only available in Europe and Australia. Still, many centers offer other forms of Naltrexone, which also offer long-term maintenance.

For more details about Naltrexone, reach out to More Than Rehab today.

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Can Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Help Addiction Treatment?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is currently drawing a lot of attention. There has been a resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) for the treatment of various mental health conditions.

Re-emerging clinical research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy has the potential to serve as an alternative treatment for substance use disorder, depression, and anxiety. For example:

Recent clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy on patients with chronic PTSD found that the drug is an effective treatment, with 67% of participants who received MDMA no longer qualifying for a PTSD diagnosis after 3 treatment sessions. In comparison, only 32% of placebo participants experienced significantly reduced PTSD.
Ketamine has also shown incredible results in addressing depression, among other mental health issues. Studies have found that low doses of Ketamine can improve severe depression, with results lasting about 6-8 weeks on average.
Psilocybin has shown positive results in treating anxiety and depression among terminal patients. Researchers from Johns Hopkins found that psychedelic treatment with psilocybin relieved major depressive disorder symptoms for about a month. But a follow-up study discovered that the results could be long-term when this therapy is accompanied by supportive psychotherapy. Psilocybin has received a FDA approval for investigations as a potential treatment for eating disorders.
LSD, considered a prototype for therapeutic psychedelics, has been shown to help with both alcohol addiction and anxiety related to a terminal illness.

There are also numerous stories and testimonies from individuals who have undergone psychedelic-assisted therapy and reported significant improvements in their mental health.

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Many of these stories are shared publicly, in the media, or through personal channels, creating a positive and powerful narrative around the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Patients have reported feeling more open, connected, and attuned to their emotions and thoughts and having a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

All this is very encouraging. However, it's worth noting that we've been here before with psychedelics. In the 1950s and 60s, numerous studies were happening across the United States to explore the potential of psychedelics in treating various mental health conditions.

Media outlets like CBSNews even covered the story of Arthur King, who received LSD as part of his treatment for alcoholism in 1966. After 6 months of treatment with LSD, Arthur King was able to curb his addiction and was still sober in the 27-year follow-up.

But as these drugs became synonymous with substance abuse, hedonism, and countercultural activities, they were made illegal. LSD was made illegal in 1966, followed by mushrooms in 1968, and most research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics ground to a halt. At the moment, the use of psychedelics for their therapeutic potential is still highly regulated and not yet widely available. But the renewed interest and investment have fueled further research, much of which is ongoing.

What is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, Ketamine, and MDMA, to facilitate therapeutic experiences. These substances are administered in a controlled and supportive environment, usually with the guidance of a trained health professional, to help individuals achieve altered states of consciousness that may lead to increased self-awareness, insight, and emotional processing.

The goal of psychedelic-assisted therapy is to provide individuals with a unique and profound experience that allows them to gain new perspectives on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to work through emotional and psychological challenges.

For example, cancer patients who took part in two different studies reported mystical experiences or spiritualistic experiences after taking psilocybin for their anxiety and depression. According to the studies, psilocybin reduced cancer-related anxiety, hopelessness, and dread immediately after the dose, and the improvements persisted for up to 6.5 months in about 80% of the patients.

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Psychedelic-Assisted Treatment and Addiction

A growing body of research suggests that psychedelic-assisted treatment may have promise in easing some of the symptoms of addiction. One way psychedelics may help with addiction is by reducing other mental health symptoms that often co-occur, such as depression and anxiety.

For many people struggling with alcohol and opioid addiction, these symptoms can be a significant barrier to recovery, as they can make it harder to stay motivated and engaged in treatment. By addressing these underlying mental health issues, psychedelics may make it easier for individuals to quit abusing substances.

Psychedelic-assisted treatment may also work by promoting changes in brain function and increasing self-awareness. For example, research suggests that psychedelics may help to "reset" the brain by fostering new neural connections and reducing negative thought patterns. By facilitating these changes in the brain, psychedelics may help individuals break free from patterns of addictive behavior and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Studies have shown that psychedelics reduce both alcohol use and smoking. The success rates are higher than what doctors see with other therapy or medication alone.

How Does Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Work?

While researchers do not fully understand how psychedelics work in the brain, several potential mechanisms have been proposed.

One commonly cited explanation is that psychedelic experiences facilitate mystical or transcendent experiences that can lead to increased psychological insights and personal growth. These experiences may be characterized by feelings of connectedness, unity, and transcendence and may help individuals to gain new perspectives on their lives and problems.
Another potential mechanism of action is increased suggestibility. Psychedelics are known to lower inhibitions and increase suggestibility, which may make individuals more open to receiving therapeutic suggestions and insights. This may help individuals to break free from entrenched patterns of thought and behavior that have been resistant to traditional forms of therapy.
Finally, evidence suggests that psychedelics can induce changes in neurotransmitter activity in the brain. For example, psilocybin has been shown to bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to increased activation in specific regions associated with mood and cognition. Similarly, MDMA has been shown to increase the release of oxytocin and serotonin, neurotransmitters related to social bonding and mood regulation.

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Risks of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Addiction Treatment

While psychedelic-assisted therapy for addiction treatment may hold promise, there are also potential risks associated with using these substances. They include:

Psychosis: Psychedelics can cause alterations in perception, thinking, and mood that may lead to psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for individuals with a history of psychosis or other severe mental health conditions.
Fear: During a psychedelic experience, individuals may become overwhelmed by intense emotions, including fear and anxiety. The drugs can induce flashbacks and trauma or cause people to believe they're dying.
Cardiovascular Issues: Psychedelics can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with underlying cardiovascular issues.

While psychedelics have shown promise as a therapeutic tool, they're not a panacea and don't work for everyone. Factors like dosage, setting, and individual differences in brain chemistry can all impact the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Also, trained professionals should always supervise these substances in a controlled environment, as they can be potentially dangerous if misused.

If you're considering using psychedelics outside of therapy for different reasons, you should seek the support of a Psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapist. A PHRI therapist will help you plan to minimize risks and increase the chances of positive therapeutic outcomes.