If you do not take the naltrexone, this residual opiate will re-bind to cellular receptors and you will become addicted again, thus making the entire procedure useless. An additional benefit from naltrexone is that this medication decreases the craving you have for heroin or any other opiate. This added benefit significantly improves your potential for successful abstinence, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery. Immediately after detoxification you spend at least an hour in the post-anesthesia recovery room. After recovery from anesthesia, you are transferred to the addiction floor.
All patients stay in the hospital at least one night.
At AdCare hospital, patients stay in the hospital for two nights. All patients participate in the UniQual half-day program where intensive education regarding naltrexone therapy occurs. Patients who have their own rehab arranged are welcome to utilize their own resources. Functionally, they are the same type of drug. They compete with heroin at the receptor level and block the effect of heroin.