The CDC declared the US to be in an opioid overdose epidemic: in 2014 more than 88,000 people died from opioid overdose, about 50% from prescription opioids. 2015 numbers are not yet in, but they are expected to be worse, given that opiate addiction has been on the rise for more than a decade. Another recent alarming statistic: in 2010 over 10 million Americans reported using prescription pain medication for nonmedical purposes. (Just in case you were wondering: 20% of prescribers account for an estimated 80% of prescription painkillers prescribed). In the midst of this crisis, a new monthly injection treatment program could assist addicts on the road to recovery.
How injections work
Currently, there are three types of medications with approval for long-term treatment of opioid addiction. The first two: methadone and buprenorphine work similarly, binding to the body’s opioid receptors and activating them, similarly to the way an opioid drug would (agonists or partial-agonists). Both options are taken daily. A third option, naltrexone (brand name: Vivitrol, an antagonist) works differently, by binding to opioid receptors (but not activating them) it blocks the action of other opioid drugs. Also, the individual can seek help at a substance addiction Waukegan center.
Naltrexone can be taken daily, but like other daily treatments, patients may have a hard time sticking to it. For those individuals, monthly injection treatments may be a better solution.
Monthly naltrexone may be appropriate for individuals who:
- Have alcohol or opiate dependency and have not had success with other treatment options.
- Have trouble with sticking to daily medication.
- Do not wish to use agonists, which have the effects of opiate use
Risks of naltrexone therapy:
In addition to milder reactions, such as nausea, headache and dizziness, there may be serious reactions at the injection site. Liver abnormalities, depression and an allergic pneumonia have also been reported. This is why undergoing a more natural and holistic approach for recovery can be done at thje drug rehabilitation Waukegan.
Of greater concern: since patients on naltrexone cannot experience the “high” of an opiate, individuals may be at greater risk of overdose. If an addict were to use, and use in larger quantity in an attempt to experience a “high” while on naltrexone, that individual could still overdose. Similarly, any of the other negative effects of opiate use would still be possible, even though the individual would not get high from the drug.
Given the possibility of opiate overdose and complications from monthly injection treatment for opioid addiction, Waukegan addicts should be careful before choosing this option. One must have been “clean” for 7-10 days, plus being highly motivated to continue thorough treatmentat a drug rehab in Waukegan before succeeding with monthly naltrexone injections.
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