There are better outcomes from naltrexone treatment for people who are highly motivated to become opioid free and who are well supported by friends and family. The treatment involves taking a prescribed course of naltrexone tablets for up to one year. These tablets are taken by mouth, once a day, or every couple of days at a higher dose. Initially your doctor may monitor your progress quite closely. Some doctors believe that naltrexone should be taken under the supervision of a family member, pharmacist or a doctor etc.
Naltrexone is dispensed by retail or mail-order pharmacies.
As in many other conditions, the medication can be more effective when combined with counselling and ongoing support from friends and family. You should discuss this with your doctor who may be able to suggest some counselling or other support for you. It acts as a disincentive to continued opioid use. Using heroin or other opioids while taking naltrexone is unlikely to produce any of the usual effects. This is because the opioid receptors have been blocked.