When recovering from an opioid or alcohol addiction, you’re often challenged by tempting situations and sudden internal cravings. Sirisat Khalsa, MD, and the experienced team at Clarity Medical Group in Sherman Oaks, California, make your recovery easier with naltrexone implants. The implants release medication that eliminates the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol, making it easier to resist them. Call the office today or schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment online to learn how naltrexone implants can help you.
Naltrexone is a medication that prevents you from relapsing as you recover from alcohol or opioid use disorders. While naltrexone is available in daily tablets and monthly injectables (Vivitrol®), the implant is more convenient.
After your Clarity Medical Group provider places the implant under your skin, it releases naltrexone for 10-12 weeks. Then you visit the office to have it removed and replaced with a new one.
Opioids and alcohol activate specific receptors in your brain. Then, your brain releases biochemicals that ease your pain, improve your mood, and give you a euphoric high. Naltrexone blocks those receptors, preventing opioids and alcohol from having an impact.
You must stop drinking and taking opioids before you can get the implant. For most people, that means going through a medically supervised detox program, either as an in-patient or through Clarity Medical Group’s at-home detox.
You need to be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days before your provider inserts the naltrexone implant. If you haven’t detoxed and the implant suddenly blocks opioids, you can go into sudden withdrawal.
Sudden withdrawal from opioids and alcohol (without medication to prevent cravings and withdrawal) can have life-threatening consequences.
You’ll know you have successfully detoxed when you stop having cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, the risk of sudden withdrawal is too serious to depend on how you feel.
Your Clarity Medical Group provider carefully evaluates your health. If they have any concerns about whether you’re opioid-free or may still be dependent, they test your urine and may perform a naltrexone challenge test.
During the test, they give you a small amount of naltrexone and watch to see if you have subtle withdrawal signs.
The side effects caused by the naltrexone implant are mild and short-lived. You may experience:
You may not be able to use a naltrexone implant if you have liver disease or need to take opioids for pain.
Call Clarity Medical Group today or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online to get skilled medical care and support for your recovery from opioid or alcohol use disorder.