Naltrexone is used to treat several types of drug addictions. Since it’s an opioid antagonist, it blocks the effects of opioids without the risk of misuse. While this is not an all-inclusive list, these addictions include oxycodone, heroin, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.
Oxycodone Addiction
As a prescription opioid, oxycodone is mostly used to manage pain, but it comes at a cost, with a high chance of abuse. Typically, it’s prescribed for conditions including recovery from surgery, injuries, and chronic pain. You become addicted to oxycodone when you take it in a way other than how it was prescribed, which can include injecting, inhaling, or crushing it.
Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its risk. As time passes, your body becomes dependent on oxycodone, you build a high tolerance, and then you develop a psychological dependence on the drug.
Heroin Addiction
Heroin, an opioid drug made from morphine that’s extracted from the opium poppy plant, is typically found in the form of a white or brown powder. Sometimes, though, it comes in the form of a black, sticky matter known as black tar heroin.
Heroin can be smoked, snorted, or injected. The signs of addiction can involve anxiety, constricted pupils, depression, slurred speech, withdrawal from activities, secretive behavior, neglecting responsibilities, paranoia, and weight loss. Heroin is very addictive, both psychologically and physically. Overdose is a serious risk.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone is typically prescribed to relieve pain or as a cough suppressant. It also has a high possibility for physical and psychological dependence. Hydrocodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces the perception of pain and provides feelings of relaxation.
Typically, hydrocodone comes in tablet form. The signs of addiction are withdrawal symptoms, cravings, behavioral changes, increased tolerance, and physical health issues such as liver damage, respiratory depression, and even overdose.
Codeine Addiction
Codeine, which is usually prescribed to treat pain, cough, and other conditions, is classified as an opiate. It alters the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. If used in excess, it can lead to dependence. Codeine, eventually, will produce euphoric feelings that will psychologically hinder and increase your misuse.
It can come as an oral tablet, liquid solution, and syrup. The risks associated with codeine addiction are mental health issues, overdosing, and physical health problems such as liver and kidney damage.
Morphine Addiction
Morphine is a powerful opioid that can relieve chronic pain. Essentially, it reduces the perception of pain. Your addiction to morphine begins with the chronic use of morphine. Despite the fact that morphine is a proven way to manage pain, there is a high possibility of becoming addicted to it.
Morphine can be taken in many ways, including oral tablets, liquid or extended-release formulations, injectables intramuscularly or intravenously, and suppositories. Morphine addiction comes with several health risks, including greater potential for infections, long-term organ damage, and respiratory depression.