Taking Naltrexone as Part of the Detox Process

One of the hardest parts of recovery is dealing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can push you back toward drugs or alcohol. This is where a detox medication like naltrexone can be a real game-changer. Naltrexone acts like a shield between you and relapse, reducing the intensity of cravings and giving you breathing room to focus on healing. Naltrexone can make those tough, early days of recovery much easier, providing the extra support needed to stay strong. Anyone considering naltrexone detox medication must understand what it is, how it works and how to use it safely.

Naltrexone-tablets-in-bottle

What is naltrexone?

Naltrexone, commonly available in the UK as Revia, is a type of medication known as an opioid antagonist. It was developed back in the 1960s and later approved as a treatment to help people recovering from both opioid and alcohol addiction. Naltrexone stops addictive substances from activating pleasure centres in your brain, making cravings less intense and helping you stay sober when you’ve decided to quit.

Three main groups of people may benefit from naltrexone detox medication:

People who have finished opioid detox: Naltrexone effectively blocks opioid cravings, significantly reducing relapse risk after detox is complete.
People who want to quit drinking: Revia helps to control cravings and minimises the urge to drink, helping both those already in recovery and those who are looking to start.
People worried about medication addiction: Because naltrexone has no addictive potential, there is no concern about substituting one addictive drug for another, unlike some other medications used in recovery.

It is crucial to understand that naltrexone isn’t a magic cure and it is most effective when integrated into a well-rounded rehab plan. This should include emotional and psychological support, behavioural therapy and positive lifestyle adjustments. During the initial treatment period, however, naltrexone can be incredibly valuable by reducing cravings and helping you focus on the later, equally important stages of recovery.

Aside from substance abuse recovery, there are also studies taking place into naltrexone’s potential for the treatment of sex and porn addiction, kleptomania and gambling addiction.

How does naltrexone reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms?

Naltrexone helps you recover from alcohol and opioids by interacting directly with certain receptors in the brain known as opioid receptors. These receptors normally play an essential role in how we experience pleasure, handle pain and form addictive habits. When you drink alcohol or use opioids, these receptors get activated, triggering the release of dopamine – a chemical that makes you feel happy and rewarded.

The problem comes when substances become part of your daily routine and your brain becomes trained to rely on them. When these substances are suddenly removed, intense cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms appear, often triggering a relapse. By blocking the pleasure-inducing receptors in your brain, naltrexone reduces these symptoms, giving your brain a chance to reset and recover its ability to function normally without drugs or alcohol.

Extended-release versions of naltrexone detox medication have been a fantastic new development in addiction treatment. Instead of worrying about daily pills, you can now receive a consistent month-long dose of naltrexone, ensuring your brain’s receptors stay blocked throughout this critical period. This makes sticking to recovery easier, especially during the challenging early days when cravings and temptation can feel strongest.

Potential naltrexone side effects

Naltrexone is typically safe for most users, but like any medication, it can sometimes cause unwanted effects. Potential naltrexone side effects can range from mild discomfort to more significant issues, so it’s important that you tell your doctor about any issues you experience straight away:

Vomiting and nausea: Very common at the start of treatment but usually improve as your body adapts to Revia.
Headache: Frequently experienced but usually mild and manageable for most people.
Drowsiness and dizziness: These may temporarily impact your ability to drive or perform tasks requiring concentration but they typically improve after initial adjustment to Revia.
Insomnia: Trouble sleeping can be common initially but it can usually be managed by adjusting the time, when you take Revia.
Nervousness and anxiety: Some users might notice increased anxiety, which can usually be managed with emotional support or by tweaking your treatment plan.
Naltrexone weight loss: Some people may experience reduced appetite or changes in eating patterns while taking naltrexone, leading to weight loss. In fact, naltrexone combined with another medication, bupropion, is FDA-approved specifically as a weight-loss treatment known as Contrave.

There are some other potential naltrexone side effects which, while rarer, can be far more serious. These include:

Severe opioid withdrawal: Starting naltrexone detox medication too soon after opioid use can provoke severe withdrawal reactions, dramatically increasing overdose risks. You must ensure adequate time has passed since your last opioid use to prevent any potential harm.
Depression: Some people may develop depression or see a worsening of previous depressive symptoms when taking naltrexone. Ongoing mental health care and close supervision are crucial for managing this risk.
Liver toxicity: Naltrexone use, particularly at higher dosages, can potentially cause liver injury. Regular liver function monitoring is recommended before and throughout treatment to minimise risk, particularly if you already have existing liver issues.

Naltrexone-tablet

In general, the benefits of naltrexone in managing addiction outweigh these risks. However, personal circumstances should always guide healthcare providers before naltrexone detox medication is administered.

Notable naltrexone drug interactions

Interactions with various other substances can influence Naltrexone’s effectiveness and safety. Knowing these interactions can help prevent any complications:

Opioids

The most serious interaction is between naltrexone and opioids. This is because naltrexone blocks opioid effects so severe withdrawal symptoms can occur if opioids are still in the body. Naltrexone also significantly reduces tolerance, increasing overdose danger if opioids are consumed afterwards. As noted above, it is critical to be completely opioid-free for the recommended time before you begin naltrexone detox medication.

Medications that affect your liver enzymes

Medications like certain antifungals, seizure treatments, antibiotics or HIV medications can change your liver enzyme activity and potentially influence how well naltrexone works.

Herbal supplements

Herbal remedies may also affect liver enzymes, influencing how quickly naltrexone is processed by your body and altering its effectiveness.

Alcohol

While alcohol doesn’t directly interfere with naltrexone, avoiding alcohol is strongly recommended during recovery to protect liver health and maximise treatment effectiveness

To prevent these interactions, individuals should always inform their healthcare team of all current supplements, medications or substances being used. Close medical monitoring and good communication can help manage these potential interactions and support your successful recovery path.

Contact us today to learn more about naltrexone and the detox process

If you’re struggling with addiction and considering treatment, Addiction Helper is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today, and we will help you understand how naltrexone detox medication works and connect you with the best rehab programme that works for you. Let’s work together to help you take your life back.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to avoid when taking low dose naltrexone?

When taking low dose naltrexone, it is important to avoid opioid-based medications, including prescription painkillers, certain cough medicines and some treatments for diarrhoea, because naltrexone can block their effects and lead to unexpected reactions or withdrawal symptoms. It’s also wise to limit or avoid alcohol, some herbal supplements and medications that affect liver enzymes because they can all increase the risk of liver issues and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Can stopping naltrexone lead to relapse in recovery?

Stopping naltrexone without proper support or preparation can indeed raise the risk of relapse, especially in early recovery. Naltrexone helps manage cravings and reduces the rewarding effects of opioids and alcohol, but abruptly removing this support can cause cravings to resurface. For this reason, it is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to plan the right time and approach to discontinue naltrexone safely so you have sufficient coping strategies and aftercare support in place.

Should naltrexone be tapered, or can it be stopped abruptly?

Naltrexone typically doesn’t cause physical dependence, so in most cases, it can safely be stopped abruptly without the need for tapering. However, your healthcare provider might suggest gradually reducing your dosage depending on your specific situation, psychological readiness or concerns about cravings returning.

(Click here to see works cited)

Pettinati, Helen M et al. “The status of naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence: specific effects on heavy drinking.” Journal of clinical psychopharmacology vol. 26,6 (2006): 610-25. doi:10.1097/01.jcp.0000245566.52401.20
WebMD. “Naltrexone Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7399/naltrexone-oral/details. Accessed 20 March 2025.
SAMHSA. “What is Naltrexone?” SAMHSA, 30 January 2024, https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone. Accessed 20 March 2025.
UK Addiction Treatment Centres. “Naltrexone | Naltrexone for detox treatment | UKAT.” UK Addiction Treatment Centres, 8 August 2023, https://www.ukat.co.uk/detox/medication/naltrexone/. Accessed 20 March 2025.