'For patients who have not been successful with oral naltrexone, a new technique has been developed using naltrexone implants that provide an adequate and constant level of naltrexone in the patient's body for long periods of time: six weeks, six months or twelve months depending on the type of implant. Using a local anaesthetic, a small one-inch incision is made in the lower abdomen or at the back of the upper arm, and a number of pellets are inserted just below the skin. These then release effective doses of naltrexone over a period of time. While the implant is in, if patients inject themselves with heroin, no effect is achieved. After the implant wears off, insertion of a single implant can be followed by a double implant or sequential double implants which provide the longest period of coverage. The implants do not need to be removed at the end of the treatment period and are gradually absorbed by the body. The periods of coverage provided by the implant allows the patient time to experience the process of addiction recovery.'
http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org/medications/heroin/
(http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org/medications/heroin/
brianftang www.brianftang.co.uk,
Sun 18 Sep 2005, 1:04,
archived)
